As they stated, European gov networks (plus military and universities OFC) had and still have their private backbone. In Spain, RedIris was for scientific research, universities and such. IDK about the rest, but for sure they'd have a similar approach.
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In the case of the article / Orange, possibly.
Though I'd hope that Orange doesn't provide network management services for the Spanish military! Some things are better kept in-house.
Less familiar with how European sensitive networks are architected.
As they stated, European gov networks (plus military and universities OFC) had and still have their private backbone. In Spain, RedIris was for scientific research, universities and such. IDK about the rest, but for sure they'd have a similar approach.
Some governments have physical tunnel networks to move people who matter around. Computer networks follow pretty much without a loss of generality.
Indeed, RedIris in Spain, since late 80's or maybe early 90's, can't remember.