We open the New York Stock Exchange

Early in the morning of 8 September 2005, the Chairman of Telefónica, César Alierta, accompanied by the Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, Robert Britz, opens the trading session of the New York Stock Exchange with the well-known "Opening Bell". This was because Telefónica was the first Spanish company, and one of the few European companies, to be included in the Dow Jones Global Titans 50 index of the world's 50 largest companies. That same day, in the afternoon, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United States presented the chairman with "The Global Spanish Entrepreneur" award, which recognised our entry into the relevant stock market index.

Movistar shines in Latin America

The expansion of Telefónica Móviles in Latin America and the purchase of BellSouth made us take an important step to bring order and unify this heterogeneity of brands. Movistar then becomes the brand name in 13 Spanish-speaking countries: Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Uruguay and Nicaragua. The same image, the same positioning, with the advantages of synergies and efficiencies, which also provided global visibility and the transmission of size, confidence and solidity to customers, partners and shareholders. This move brought with it another major change: the renewal of the brand image and logo. The M of movistar becomes a dynamic element, giving more expression and mobility. The new innovative, human, clear, cheerful and leading image is reinforced by the institutional presence of the Telefónica brand, which provides solvency, guarantee and support. In addition, we are launching a new shop concept, with two main functions: to be an efficient sales space and to offer the opportunity to live experiences.

Entering the Czech Republic

In 2005, Telefónica closes the purchase of 51.1% of the telecommunications operator Cesky Telecom, once the necessary authorisations had been obtained. With this move in the Czech Republic, Telefónica is advancing its strategy of complementing organic growth with selective acquisitions of telecommunications operators with leading positions in their markets. Cesky Telecom is the only integrated (fixed and mobile) operator in the country and the market leader. The Czech company, which is "the most profitable and efficient operator among the listed incumbents in the region", had nine million accesses in March 2005.

Landing in China

Telefónica had already set foot in China in 2004, when it opened an office to study the domestic market. One year later, we take a giant step forward and Telefónica becomes the first Spanish company to enter the Asian country with the purchase of a 2.99% stake in China Netcom. This percentage would later increase to 5% and allow it to initiate a strategic cooperation framework in areas such as joint technology and infrastructure procurement, technology transfers and other management-related areas.