Digital euro: ECB picks Telefónica and Indra for secure network

What was chosen. The ECB looked for two network service providers (NSPs). These are companies that supply the links between the parts of a system. The process began with a call for applications on 27 August 2025, and the ECB published the outcome on 30 October 2026. The providers will connect payment firms and national central banks to the digital euro platform and let its components talk to each other.

What Telefónica and Indra do. The two companies formed a consortium. Telefónica says the contract runs for 10 years and enters into force on 3 May 2027. Telefónica provides the communications infrastructure and runs it. That includes an MPLS network (a private network that securely links different sites), SD-WAN for multi-site connectivity and cybersecurity services. Minsait, an Indra Group company, provides platforms that connect applications through APIs, plus digital identity, certificates and a security operations centre (SOC) that watches for threats. Telefónica's release words Minsait's role in the conditional ("would provide"), so details may still change.

Why two providers. Payment firms that offer the digital euro will be able to connect to its components through either network. The first contract is already in force and covers the connectivity needs of the digital euro pilot for now. The second starts in May 2027.

Where the project stands. Both networks are due to be ready from 2029 to deliver connectivity for a possible issuance of the digital euro, but only if the ECB Governing Council decides to move to the next phase. In October 2025 the ECB already picked providers for five other components: alias lookup, risk and fraud management, the app and SDK, the offline solution and the secure exchange of payment information. It said then that it will take a decision to issue the digital euro only once the Digital Euro Regulation has been adopted.

What it means for people. Nothing yet. There is no wallet and you cannot pay with a digital euro. These contracts are about pipes, not money. They prepare the technical base in case the digital euro is approved. They are not a decision to launch.

Confirmed facts

• On 30 October 2026 the ECB said it had selected two network service providers for the digital euro, following a call for applications started on 27 August 2025.^[1]
• The ECB signed agreements with two groupings: Nexi Payments S.p.A and Deutsche Telekom Business Solutions GmbH, and Telefónica de España, S.A.U., Telefónica Global Solutions, S.L.U. and Indra Soluciones Tecnologías de la Información, S.L.U.^[1]
• The contract with the first-ranked provider entered into force on 28 September 2026 and will initially cover connectivity for the digital euro pilot. The contract with the second-ranked provider starts in May 2027.^[1]
• Both networks will be ready from 2029 to deliver connectivity for a potential issuance of the digital euro, subject to the ECB Governing Council's decision on the next phase. Payment firms can connect through either network.^[1]
• Telefónica and Minsait (an Indra Group company) formed a consortium. The 10-year contract enters into force on 3 May 2027.^[2][3]
• Telefónica provides the communications infrastructure and its operation: an MPLS network, SD-WAN capabilities and cybersecurity. Minsait provides platforms for connection through APIs, digital identity, certificates and a SOC service.^[2][3]
• The infrastructure will connect banks, fintech companies and payment service providers involved in the digital euro.^[2][3]
• In October 2025 the ECB selected providers for five other digital euro components and said it will only decide to issue the digital euro once the Digital Euro Regulation has been adopted.^[4]

Implications

• ConfirmedChoosing network providers does not mean the digital euro will be issued: that needs a law and an ECB decision.
• Our readingWith two network providers, the ECB does not depend on a single company.
• Our readingFor ordinary people and businesses nothing changes in the near term.

Still unknown

• Whether and when the ECB Governing Council will decide on the next phase
• When the Digital Euro Regulation will be adopted
• What the contracts cost: the sources we opened give no amount

Who it affects

World, Euro area, Spain. People who follow central bank digital money, and the banking and payments sector of the euro area.

Sources

1. European Central Bank: ECB selects network service providers for the digital euro October 30, 2026 · official
2. Telefónica: Telefónica and Minsait to develop secure communications for the European Central Bank's digital euro October 30, 2026 · official
3. Expansión: Telefónica e Indra desplegarán las comunicaciones seguras del euro digital October 30, 2026 · media
4. European Central Bank: ECB selects digital euro service providers October 2, 2025 · official