The CNMC (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia) has released its inaugural report on the state of IP interconnection in Spain, providing an in-depth analysis of how various networks connect to facilitate Internet access.

This report offers insights into the structure, traffic volume, and locations of interconnections among major operators and service providers. It highlights the importance of both IP transit and peering agreements in the functioning of the Internet.

Key findings indicate that transit interconnections account for a larger share of total traffic (56%) compared to peering without payment (43%), although the latter is more prevalent. Most interconnections occur within data centers in Spain, particularly in Madrid, with significant activity also in Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao.

Global players, including transit operators and content providers, are present in Spanish data centers and Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), enabling medium-sized operators to establish direct connections without relying on international transit.

The report also notes that transit prices in Spain are competitive with major European hubs like London and Frankfurt. Additionally, it examines the deployment of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) by operators, which enhance user experience by reducing traffic load on interconnections.

The CNMC plans to conduct this analysis annually to monitor the evolution of Internet interconnection in Spain and to inform necessary actions regarding the relationships among involved parties.