In 2024, TELNET fibre Optic S.L.U. was acquired by Tratos Cavi S.p.A., marking a significant milestone in both companiesʼ histories. This acquisition brought together two innovative players in the telecommunications and cable manufacturing industries, combining TELNETʼs expertise in fibre optic technology with Tratosʼ legacy of advanced cable manufacturing. The acquisition allowed Tratos to expand its footprint in the Spain fibre optic sector, leveraging TELNETʼs production facilities and technological advancements.

TELNET, founded in  Zaragoza in 1994, has long been recognized for its pioneering work in fibre optic cables and passive optical components. With its strong foundation in the Spanish market and notable partnerships with key telecommunications companies like Telefónica, MasOrange, Vodafone, DIGI Spain, ADIF, and I-DE, T ELNET positioned itself as a leader in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology and broadband solutions. Over the years, TELNETʼs resilience and focus on R &D led to innovations that supported both outdoor and indoor fibre optic applications, making it a valuable set for Tratosʼ broader strategic goals.

Why Tratos’ Acquisition of TELNET Drives Strategic Growth in Fibre Optic Technology

With the acquisition, Tratos Cavi S.p.A. gains TELNETʼs state-of-the-art production facilities, which include over 12,000 m² of manufacturing space and an annual output of 1.5 million kilometres of fibre optic cables. Tratos, a long-established leader in the global cable manufacturing industry, has a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. By integrating TELNET into its operations, Tratos not only strengthens its position in the fibre optics market but also broadens its product portfolio, catering to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and advanced telecommunications infrastructure across Europe and beyond.

This merger represents a powerful synergy between two companies that share a dedication to technological advancement, quality production, and customer satisfaction. Together, TELNET and Tratos are well-positioned to drive forward the future of global telecommunications, providing cutting-edge solutions for the evolving digital landscape.

TELNETʼs projects

TELNETʼs history is marked by a broad range of significant contributions to the telecommunications industry, solidifying its reputation as a key player in fibre optic technology and infrastructure. Some of the noteworthy projects and achievements of TELNET include:

1. Collaboration with Telefónica I+D: In the mid-1990s, TELNET worked closely with Telefónica to develop and industrialize the first Broadband Network Terminator (TR1-BA) for the Gigacom network. This product was critical in advancing broadband access across Spain, providing high-speed optical access at 155Mbps—well ahead of its time. TELNET continued to innovate, developing a full range of termination and access monitoring equipment that supported transmission speeds up to 40Gbps.
2. FTTH (fibre-to-the-Home) Deployment: TELNET became a leading provider of fibre optic cables for FTTH networks, which deliver high-speed internet directly to homes. Their expertise in fibre optic technology allowed them to supply various types of cables that supported this modern infrastructure, which has become essential for homes and businesses alike in an increasingly connected world.
3. Passive Optical Components: In addition to fibre optic cables, TELNET manufactured a wide range of passive optical components for networking. These components play a crucial role in the performance of fibre optic networks, ensuring reliable data transmission over long distances. TELNETʼs ability to design and produce these components allowed them to offer comprehensive solutions for telecommunications providers.
4. Mobile Telephony Antennas: Following the acquisition of assets from SIEMENS-ELASA in 2008, TELNET began designing and manufacturing compact mobile telephony antennas for base stations. These antennas are utilized
5. fractal technology, which allowed them to be smaller, more efficient, and visually unobtrusive—ideal for urban areas where telecommunications infrastructure must be integrated seamlessly into the environment. TELNET provided these antennas for site-sharing between telecommunications operators, contributing to the development of Spainʼs mobile network.
6. Major fibre Optic Cable Projects: TELNET supplied fibre optic cables for several high-profile clients in Spain and across Europe, including Telefónica de España S.A.U., Vodafone Spain, MasOrange, DIGI Spain Telecom, ADIF, and international operators like IP Telecom Portugal, Vodafone UK, Portugal Telecom, Cabo Verde Telecom, Digi Belgium, Telecom Argentina, Telefónica Argentina, Telefónica Uruguay, Colombia Telecomunicaciones and Unsere Grüne Glasfaser (UGG) in Germany. Their fibre optic cables have been approved and used for various large-scale telecommunications and infrastructure projects, such as fibre-to-the-home installations and telecommunication network expansions.
7. Renewable Energy and Utility Sector Projects: TELNETʼs fibre optic cables have been used in utility projects with companies like EDP in Portugal, I-DE Redes Eléctricas Inteligentes, Endesa, Enagás, Red Eléctrica Española (REE). Their products, specifically designed for rugged environments, have been applied in substation networks, renewable energy facilities, and intelligent grid systems, providing the necessary communication infrastructure for modern energy management.
8. International Expansion: TELNETʼs client base extended beyond Spain, with homologations and approvals in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Canada. They supplied Fibre optic cables to major telecom operators and integrators in these regions, contributing to the expansion of high-speed internet and telecommunications services.

With its acquisition by Tratos in 2024, TELNETʼs legacy of innovative projects and technical excellence will continue to be a cornerstone of the combined company efforts to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the global telecommunications industry. The combined expertise of TELNET and Tratos will enable the expansion of fibre optic networks, improving connectivity for millions around the world.

TELNETʼs Legacy of Innovation and Expertise

Founded in 1994 in Zaragoza, TELNET quickly rose to prominence in Spainʼs telecommunications industry through its deep expertise in fibre optic technology. The company founder, who had over 20 years of experience in the sector, helped position TELNET as a leader in both the research and development of advanced telecommunications solutions. Early in its history, TELNETʼs collaboration with Telefónica I+D was a key milestone. The development of the first Broadband Network Terminator (TR1-BA) for Telefónicaʼs Gigacom network in 1996 revolutionized broadband access in Spain. This pioneering technology offered speeds of 155Mbps, far ahead of its time, and established TELNET as a driving force in optical access innovation.

Over the years, TELNET expanded its product offerings, developing a complete range of termination and access monitoring equipment capable of supporting speeds up to 40Gbps. Their expertise in passive optical components and fibre optic cables made them a valuable partner for telecommunications operators and infrastructure providers across Spain and Europe.

TELNETʼs Projects and Contributions

TELNETʼs contributions extend beyond product innovation. The company played a pivotal role in several

high-profile telecommunications projects, both in Spain and internationally. Among its most significant clients were Telefónica de España S.A.U., MasOrange, Vodafone Spain, DIGI Spain Telecom, ADIF, and I-DE, Redes Eléctricas Inteligentes, for whom TELNET supplied fibre optic cables and components critical to the expansion of high-speed networks.

TELNET was instrumental in deploying FTTH (fibre-to-the-Home) infrastructure, which provides high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses. The company’s ability to produce both indoor and outdoor fibre optic cables that meet stringent European standards positioned TELNET as a go-to supplier for modern telecommunications networks.

The company’s involvement extended beyond telecommunications into other sectors, such as utilities and renewable energy. TELNET provided fibre optic cables for energy companies like EDP in Portugal, Iberdrola, Enagás, Endesa, and Red Eléctrica Española (REE), enabling modern communication systems for substation networks and intelligent grid management. Their cables, designed to withstand rugged environments, were used in critical energy infrastructure, showcasing the versatility and reliability of TELNETʼs products.

Internationally, TELNET gained homologations and approvals in many countries, such as Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Colombia, Perú, Argentina, Uruguay and Canada, further expanding its influence in the global market. Its partnerships with operators like IP Telecom Portugal, Vodafone UK, Portugal Telecom, Cabo Verde Telecom, Telefónica Argentina, Telefónica Uruguay, Colombia Telecomunicaciones and Unsere Grüne Glasfaser (UGG) in Germany allowed the company to play a key role in advancing telecommunications infrastructure in these regions.

TELNETʼs Technological Capacity and Manufacturing Excellence

TELNETʼs production capabilities were equally impressive, with state-of-the-art facilities in Zaragoza. The company’s fibre optic cable plant, which began production in 2004, initially spanned 6,000 square meters with a capacity of 800,000 kilometres of cabled fibre per year. By 2008, the plant expanded to 12,000 square meters, increasing its output to 1.5 million kilometres of fibre optic cable annually. TELNETʼs manufacturing prowess was underpinned by an array of advanced production lines, including ultraviolet lines for micromodule manufacturing, loose tube lines, jacketing lines, and rewinding machines.

Moreover, TELNET ventured into the production of mobile telephony antennas following its acquisition of assets from SIEMENS-ELASA in 2008. The company’s fractal technology antennas, designed to blend seamlessly into urban environments, contributed to the development of Spainʼs mobile networks. These compact, low-visual-impact antennas were particularly valuable in site-sharing between telecommunications operators, improving network infrastructure while minimizing environmental disruption.

The Synergy Between TELNET and Tratos

The acquisition of TELNET by Tratos Cavi S.p.A. in 2024 marks the union of two forward-thinking companies with a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. For decades, Tratos has been a leader in cable manufacturing, with a focus on producing cables for energy, telecommunications, and other industrial applications. By integrating TELNETʼs expertise in fibre optic cables and passive optical components, Tratos has expanded its product portfolio and strengthened its position in the fibre optic sector.

Tratos, with its rich history dating back to the 1960s, has always been known for its steady, strategic growth and commitment to technological advancement. The Bragagni family, who founded and continue to lead Tratos, have built the company with a strong foundation of resilience, foresight, and leadership. The acquisition of TELNET is a testament to Tratosʼ’s ongoing ambition to remain at the forefront of global telecommunications, leveraging TELNETʼs resources and expertise to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity.

Looking Forward

The merger of TELNET and Tratos sets the stage for an exciting future in the global telecommunications industry. Together, they are well-equipped to drive forward the expansion of fibre optic networks, helping to shape the digital landscape in Europe and beyond. This partnership will allow both companies to continue delivering innovative solutions for high-speed internet, smart grids, and other critical infrastructure projects.

As TELNETʼs legacy is absorbed into Tratosʼ’s broader mission, the combined company is poised to remain a leader in the production of high-quality cables and components that meet the demands of an increasingly connected world. With a shared vision for innovation and a commitment to excellence, TELNET and Tratos together will continue to push the boundaries of telecommunications technology, ensuring reliable, future-proof solutions for their clients and partners worldwide.