Quantum cybersecurity pact signed
On Friday 6th November 2026, the Generalitat de Catalunya and Telefónica formalised a new contract to deploy quantum key distribution (QKD) technology across the institutional node network, marking a major step in securing public digital infrastructure against future cyber threats. The agreement was announced at the second edition of Telefónica’s Tech Day Girona, held at the historic former Baroque chapel of the Hospital de Santa Caterina, now the Government Delegation in Girona.
Preparing for quantum threats
Cristina Campillo, Director General of Digital Infrastructures for the Generalitat, described telecommunications networks as "essential country-wide infrastructures" that must be designed to be "robust, secure, and resilient." Although quantum supercomputers capable of breaking traditional encryption do not yet exist, experts warn of a present danger: the mass interception and storage of encrypted data today, with decryption expected once quantum computing matures. Marta Simelio, Manager of Public Administrations at Telefónica in Catalonia, stated: "Threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and we must continue to protect the information circulating on our networks and critical services. Quantum communications are a key piece in preparing us."
European leadership in quantum resilience
This initiative positions Catalonia’s public ecosystem at the forefront of European digital sovereignty efforts. The QKD deployment aligns with the Euro-QCI (European Quantum Communications Infrastructure) strategy, a cornerstone of EU cybersecurity policy. The project echoes a wider Catalan government push, including a pilot led by ICFO to create a quantum-secure communications ring around Barcelona, as noted in ACCIÓ’s 2024 cybersecurity report.
Real-time emergency response systems
Participants also reviewed the technological backbone of Catalonia’s 112 emergency service, which handled 2.56 million operational calls in the previous year, a 7.8% increase. Aitor Moreno, Telefónica’s Mission Critical specialist, outlined the systems ensuring rapid response: redundant fibre and mobile networks with automatic restoration, the BUS platform for real-time alert forwarding, and the C4T-P system for coordinating local police forces.
Field demonstration and closing remarks
Attendees inspected a multi-operator mobile unit developed by Telefónica for the Generalitat, capable of providing immediate, reinforced connectivity during mass events or emergencies. Sergi Font, Second Deputy Mayor of Girona, delivered the closing remarks, urging cities to prioritise technologies that directly improve neighbourhood wellbeing, such as mobility, water management, and energy efficiency, ensuring digital transformation aligns with tangible urban progress.
Sources: CatalunyaPress, Govern de Catalunya.
