Colt: The First Telco to Connect to Digital Realty's BCN1

Digital Realty has connected its first telco operator at its newest data centre in Barcelona, with Colt Technology Services bringing 400G-capable connectivity to the site.

By activating its Point of Presence (PoP) to BCN1, Colt is ensuring customers can connect from day one.

Building connectivity before customers arrive

The new PoP extends Colt's trans-European and global backbone into BCN1, offering Optical and IP services with bandwidths of up to 400G.

The deployment is aimed at Global Content Networks, enterprises and strategic alliance partners that require high-capacity connectivity and secure cloud access.

Early network availability also enables customers moving into the facility to establish services immediately rather than waiting for telco infrastructure to follow.

Joan Monraba, Country Manager of Colt Technology Services Spain, says: "Barcelona is rapidly evolving into one of Europe’s most critical digital hubs, and our early connection to Digital Realty’s BCN1 facility underscores our commitment to staying ahead of the demand curve.

"Being the first telco operator to light up at BCN1 is a strong reflection of our commitment to Spain’s digital future.

"By delivering our full 400G-capable portfolio from day one, we’re giving customers in Barcelona immediate access to world-class connectivity that fuels growth, innovation and international reach in a location that links the subsea cables of the Mediterranean with the digital heart of Europe.

"We are not just connecting a building. We are accelerating the digital ecosystem of the entire region."

Barcelona's strategic advantage

BCN1 is positioned as a major interconnection point linking Mediterranean subsea cable systems with Europe's established FLAP markets: Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris.

Its location gives organisations another route into major European networks while helping avoid congestion associated with longer-established hubs.

By integrating BCN1 into its trans-European backbone, Colt is expanding the options available to customers operating across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Fabrice Coquio, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Europe Med, Digital Realty, says: "We are thrilled to welcome Colt as the first telecoms operator at BCN1.

"Their presence pre-launch is a strong vote of confidence in the strategic importance of this facility and the Barcelona market.

Strengthening Spain's digital infrastructure

Barcelona has emerged as one of Spain's fastest-growing data centre markets, complementing the country's established presence in Madrid.

International connectivity, hyperscale investment and new developments have all contributed to the city's growing role as a gateway between the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe.

Attracting a carrier before BCN1 officially opens is a key part of Digital Realty's connectivity strategy.

Paula Cogan, Managing Director, Head of EMEA at Digital Realty, says: "When we announced BCN1 at Digital Realty, we spoke about Barcelona’s growing importance as a Mediterranean connectivity hub.

"Seeing Colt Technology Services become the first telecommunications operator live in the facility is a fantastic example of that vision taking shape.

"Partnerships like this are incredibly important. Connectivity sits at the heart of digital transformation, and having high-performance, 400G-ready connectivity available from day one helps create the strong foundations customers need to grow, innovate and scale."

With carrier infrastructure already live, customers moving into BCN1 will have immediate access to high-capacity connectivity as the facility begins operations.