I’m thrilled to sit down with Vladislav Zaimov, a seasoned telecommunications specialist whose deep expertise in enterprise telecom and risk management of vulnerable networks offers invaluable insights into the rapidly evolving European telecom landscape. With a career dedicated to navigating the complexities of digital infrastructure and security, Vladislav is the perfect guide to help us unpack some of the most pressing developments in the industry. In this conversation, we’ll explore the intersection of national security and technology through recent government decisions, the growing emphasis on data sovereignty within major telecom firms, strategic acquisitions shaping regional markets, and significant expansions of network infrastructure across Europe.
Can you walk us through the recent decision by the Spanish government to cancel a major contract with Telefónica, and what this signals about broader concerns over equipment from certain vendors?
I’m glad to dive into this. The Spanish government recently canceled a €10 million contract with Telefónica due to national security worries tied to the use of Huawei equipment. This wasn’t just a financial decision; it reflects a deeper unease about potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The government framed it as a matter of “digital strategy and strategic autonomy,” which points to a desire to reduce reliance on foreign technology in sensitive areas like government and defense networks. It’s a clear signal that security is taking precedence over cost or convenience in many European countries right now.
How do you interpret the concept of ‘strategic autonomy’ in the context of telecommunications, and why is it becoming a priority for governments?
Strategic autonomy, as mentioned by the Spanish government, is about ensuring that a country’s critical digital infrastructure isn’t overly dependent on external players, especially those perceived as potential risks. In telecom, this means having control over the hardware, software, and data flows that underpin everything from government communications to public services. It’s becoming a priority because of geopolitical tensions and past incidents where foreign tech has been implicated in espionage or data breaches. Governments want to mitigate those risks by fostering domestic or allied solutions, even if it means higher costs or slower rollouts.
Shifting to another trend, what’s behind the creation of roles like chief sovereignty officer at companies such as T-Systems, and how does this reflect the current climate in Europe?
The appointment of a chief sovereignty officer at T-Systems, part of Deutsche Telekom, is a direct response to the growing demand for data control and compliance with regional regulations. Europe is grappling with how to protect sensitive data amid geopolitical challenges and strict laws like GDPR. This role focuses on crafting strategies that align with customer needs and regulatory frameworks while addressing concerns about foreign influence over data. It reflects a broader trend where European companies are prioritizing local control over their digital ecosystems to build trust and ensure compliance.
Can you elaborate on how acquisitions, like Speed Fibre Group’s recent deal in Ireland, are reshaping the telecom landscape in smaller markets?
Absolutely. Speed Fibre Group’s acquisition of BT Communications Ireland is a fascinating example of consolidation in the industry. They’ve taken over significant assets, including network infrastructure and customer bases, which will be integrated into their existing brands, Enet and Magnet+. This move strengthens Speed Fibre’s position in the Irish market, allowing them to offer more comprehensive services to both wholesale and enterprise clients. In smaller markets like Ireland, such deals can shift competitive dynamics, often leading to better service offerings but also raising questions about market concentration and pricing for consumers.
Looking at infrastructure growth, what does the expansion of companies like Zayo Europe tell us about the demand for digital connectivity in the region?
Zayo Europe’s growth, with a 61% increase in route miles in the first half of 2025 compared to the prior period, underscores the skyrocketing demand for robust digital connectivity across the continent. This isn’t just about laying more fiber; it’s about meeting the needs of businesses, cloud providers, and consumers who rely on high-speed, low-latency networks for everything from remote work to streaming. The focus on regions like the UK also shows where digital transformation is accelerating fastest. It’s a clear indicator that infrastructure providers see Europe as a critical growth area, driven by both economic and technological trends.
What’s your forecast for the future of data sovereignty and security concerns in the European telecom sector over the next few years?
I believe we’re heading toward an era of even tighter regulations and more localized solutions in Europe’s telecom sector. Data sovereignty will remain a hot-button issue as governments and companies alike push for greater control over where data is stored and processed. Security concerns, especially around foreign vendors, will likely intensify, prompting more countries to follow Spain’s lead in scrutinizing contracts and equipment sources. At the same time, I expect innovation in secure, homegrown technologies to pick up pace, though balancing this with cost and scalability will be the real challenge. We’re in for a transformative few years as the industry navigates these competing pressures.
