Top Spanish University Unveils 32km Fibre-Optic Network to Test Next-Gen 6G Internet

'Set to Revolutionise Connectivity'

A leading Spanish university is set to test faster-than-ever 6G internet for the first time, in what officials say will "revolutionise connectivity" across the country.

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona is preparing to roll out a 32km fibre-optic network linking two of its campuses, enabling real-world testing of the next generation of mobile communications.

What Is 6GLabNet?

The initiative, called 6GLabNet, is one of only a few setups of its kind in Europe. It's designed to support:

• Autonomous vehicles
• AI-driven systems
• Robotics
• Augmented reality
• Industrial and agricultural applications

The system works like a private telecom network, allowing multiple users and experiments to run simultaneously. It will also be used to trial advanced 5G services as a stepping stone towards full 6G technology, which is not expected to be fully standardised until around 2030.

A Remote Vehicle Already Moving Between Campuses

During the launch, engineers demonstrated a remotely operated vehicle moving between the UPC's two campuses — Diagonal Nord in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat site in Castelldefels — showcasing the network's capabilities in real time.

What the Minister Said

Spain's Minister for Digital Transformation, Óscar López, described the project as a "momentous" step forward.

"This project is set to revolutionise connectivity. It is a powerful contribution from Catalonia's public university system to innovation," he said, adding that it would boost "Europe's digital sovereignty" and represent "another milestone in the growing list of successes of Spain's research-driven future."

Spain at the Forefront

The 6GLabNet project positions Spain as one of the early movers in 6G testing in Europe. Combined with the country's ongoing rural 5G rollout and investments in digital infrastructure, it signals that Spain is serious about staying at the forefront of telecommunications technology — not just consuming it, but helping to build it.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 10, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.