Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the opening of a new AWS Direct Connect location at the Equinix BA1 data center in Barcelona. This is the first location in the Catalan capital and the third in Spain, after the existing ones in Madrid, further establishing the country as a strategic node within AWS’s global network.
A More Connected and Secure Network
AWS Direct Connect enables companies to establish private, dedicated connections between their infrastructure—be it a private data center, offices, or colocation environments—and Amazon’s cloud. Unlike internet-based connections, this service provides a network that is more predictable, lower latency, and more secure.
In Barcelona, the new infrastructure will offer 10 Gbps and 100 Gbps links, with support for MACsec encryption—a physical-level security standard that ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data in transit.
The Third Piece of the Spanish Puzzle
Spain becomes one of the few European countries with multiple Direct Connect locations. According to AWS, from the new Barcelona node, it will be possible to directly connect to all AWS public regions (except China), as well as to GovCloud regions and local zones—services designed for ultra-low latency needs or regulatory requirements.
This move demonstrates AWS’s commitment to strengthening connectivity across the Iberian Peninsula, especially as digitalization and AI are rapidly increasing the demand for critical infrastructure.
Barcelona as a Digital Hub
The choice of Barcelona is deliberate. The city has positioned itself in recent years as a key digital and logistics hub in southern Europe, thanks to its international connectivity, technological ecosystem, and submarine cables linking the Mediterranean with the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Equinix BA1 data center, home to the new AWS node, already hosts multiple connectivity providers and cloud services, consolidating its role as a strategic interconnection point for operators and large corporations.
Boosting Spanish Businesses
The arrival of AWS Direct Connect in Barcelona will enable local and multinational companies operating in Catalonia to:
- Improve resilience and security by reducing reliance on public internet.
- Optimize latency for sensitive applications such as financial trading, cloud gaming, or real-time AI platforms.
- Comply with regulations requiring greater control over data and network paths.
For SMEs and startups, this service offers more accessible entry into advanced cloud infrastructure, facilitating more efficient hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
Spain on AWS’s Global Map
With this new launch, Spain joins the list of over 143 AWS Direct Connect locations worldwide, strengthening its position within Europe’s connectivity map.
In an increasingly competitive landscape for data center investment and technology growth, this expansion consolidates Spain’s reputation as an attractive destination for hyperscalers and cloud providers.
Conclusion
The opening of AWS Direct Connect in Barcelona is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic move to enhance digital sovereignty, business competitiveness, and Spain’s attractiveness as a European tech hub. As cloud computing and AI continue to grow, the demand for private, secure connectivity will follow suit, underscoring the importance of infrastructures like this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is AWS Direct Connect?
It’s a service that provides a private, dedicated connection between a company’s infrastructure and Amazon’s cloud, bypassing the public internet.What advantages does it offer over regular internet connections?
Enhanced security, lower latency, dedicated bandwidth, and a more consistent network experience.Where is the new infrastructure located in Spain?
At the Equinix BA1 data center in Barcelona. It’s the first in Catalonia and the third in Spain.Which sectors will benefit most from this expansion?
Financial services, tech companies, gaming, digital health, AI, and any organization requiring secure, low-latency connections.
Source: AWS