- Telefónica Tech has agreed to sell its business operations in Colombia, Mexico and Chile to Spanish technology firm Hiberus, marking a major reshaping of its Latin American footprint
- The deal includes a strategic alliance to continue serving multinational customers, but raises questions about long-term service quality and local tech autonomy as Telefónica refocuses on core markets
What happened: Sale of regional units
Telefónica Tech, the digital services arm of Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica, has signed an agreement with Spanish technology consultancy Hiberus to sell its business operations in Colombia, Mexico and Chile. The terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed, but industry sources estimate it may be around 100 million euros, though this figure has not been formally confirmed by either party.
Under the agreement, Hiberus will acquire the full operations previously run by Telefónica Tech in these key Latin American countries, covering areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain solutions. Telefónica says the sale includes a strategic alliance that will allow it to continue serving multinational clients in the region, indicating continuity of services and support for international contracts.
Importantly, the Digital Operations Center (DOC) in Colombia — a pivotal infrastructure hub — will not be part of the sale and will remain under Telefónica Tech’s direct control, providing continuity for existing customers from its broader footprint. Both companies have emphasised that existing employment and contractual relationships will be maintained in accordance with local regulations, suggesting an effort to mitigate disruption.
This move follows a broader pattern of Telefónica reshaping its presence in Latin America. Earlier in 2025 it agreed to sell its stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones (Movistar Colombia) to Millicom for around $400 million as part of a strategy to reduce exposure in the region.
Also Read: MT Networks accelerates fibre broadband in rural Kansas
Also Read: MTel advances Macau fibre network amid AI and cloud push
Why it’s important
Telefónica’s divestment of major units in Colombia, Mexico and Chile reflects a strategic pivot away from some Latin American markets that have historically delivered lower returns compared to its core regions in Spain, Brazil, the UK and Germany. This restructuring aligns with the company’s Transform & Grow plan, which prioritises high-value digital and technology solutions over traditional telecom services.
While the creation of a strategic alliance with Hiberus aims to ensure service continuity, analysts and regional stakeholders may question how this change will affect local autonomy and technological capacity in these markets. Transfers of ownership can reshape competitive dynamics and might result in shifts in pricing, service standards or vendor relationships — particularly if the new owner prioritises different market strategies.
There are also broader concerns about the long-term impact on regional innovation and skills development. Telefónica Tech’s departure from direct control of these operations could reduce investment in local tech ecosystems at a time when cloud and cybersecurity services are increasingly critical.
Ultimately, this transaction highlights a trend among major global operators to streamline portfolios and focus on core markets, even if that means relinquishing influence in historically strategic but commercially challenging regions.
The full implications for customers, competitors and regulators in Latin America will unfold as the sale progresses and regulatory approvals are sought.
