Planned three new hyperscale data centres and innovation hub with power secured

LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a leading global provider of AI, hyperscale, and large enterprise data centres, has announced that it has received committee approval (Resolution to Grant) from Hillingdon Council to expand its Hayes Digital Park campus in West London with three new hyperscale data centres and an Innovation Hub. The £2.5 billion investment will strengthen the UK’s digital infrastructure, support the government’s modern industrial strategy, and help drive the nation’s growing AI economy.

The three new hyperscale data centres, London 6, 7, & 8, will be powered using 100% renewable energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Power contracts for this development have been secured with National Grid and a high voltage supply is due to be delivered by October 2027. The expansion will add an additional 97MW to the available IT power at the Hayes Digital Park, taking the total capacity to 160MW. Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, with the first data centre (London 6) scheduled to go live in early 2029. Once operational, the new facilities will create over 500 permanent jobs, training more than 50 technical apprentices over a ten-year build programme.

In addition to the data centres, Colt DCS will develop an Innovation Hub in partnership with Brunel University, designed to serve as a community space and incubator for digital start-ups. The hub will promote economic synergy by co-locating light-industrial and digital innovation businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration, research, and skills development within an affordable workspace. Students from Brunel University will be encouraged to use the hub to develop entrepreneurial projects and technology-led ventures to support the digital economy.

AECOM has been appointed to develop the design proposals for the Innovation Hub. The facility aims to act as a base for innovation and community engagement, with flexible space for future industrial use, in line with planning policy for Strategic Industrial Land. It will also provide social value by hosting local events themed around culture, food, film, music, and literature.

The new development will also deliver a district heating network, using waste heat from the data centres to support local businesses, communities, and residential buildings. Under the planning permission, back-up generators will only be permitted to operate for a maximum of 15 hours per year, with the data centres powered directly from the national grid.

“This announcement marks another important milestone for the UK’s digital economy,” said Xavier Matagne, Chief Real Estate Officer at Colt DCS. “Data centres are a cornerstone of digital transformation. With this expansion, we can help power innovation, support the AI revolution, and contribute to the energy transition.”

“Our new campus in Hayes, including the Innovation Hub in partnership with Brunel University, will drive community value, from reusing heat for district heating to creating jobs, skills, and long-term investment. As one of the few operators capable of delivering new capacity in this area of London over the next decade, we’re proud to be helping power the UK’s future economy in a sustainable and inclusive way,” Matagne continued.

Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, said: “Hillingdon is open for business, and we’re working closely with our business community, new and existing investors and partners to drive innovation and development in the right places.

“The innovation hub is an exciting new development that will help to foster economic growth. It will help to equip residents and smaller local businesses with the right skills, affordable workspaces, and opportunities to thrive.

“Hayes is playing a leading role in shaping London’s digital economy and infrastructure and it’s vital local people have more opportunities to experience the benefits.”

About Colt DCS

We design, build and operate data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises. Our global portfolio includes 13 operational data centres, with an additional 19 in development across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and the APAC region. We enable our customers to effectively plan for the growth of their business while also providing them with peace of mind. We provide secure, resilient, well-connected infrastructure with planned future capacity growth potential. We have over 25 years of experience in the data centre industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer-centric data centre operator in the market. We put the environment at the heart of everything we do by recognising this as a fundamental responsibility towards our planet. That’s why we’re taking ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability planning, Colt DCS has set comprehensive near-and long-term Science Based Targets to cut our emissions in line with the SBTi’s latest Net Zero Standard.

https://www.coltdatacentres.net 

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Hong Kong takes Top Spot as Mainland China Surpasses India as Most-Represented System

LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — QS Quacquarelli Symonds today released the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, revealing a region expanding in scale, diversifying in quality, and accelerating in research and international engagement.

The University of Hong Kong rises to first place, overtaking Peking University (2nd). Nanyang Technological University climbs to joint third alongside the National University of Singapore. This year’s edition evaluates 1,500+ institutions across 25 higher-education systems, including 550+ new entrants—the ranking’s most extensive assessment to date.

Mainland China now leads representation with 395 ranked universities, surpassing India (294), followed by Japan (147) and South Korea (103). Hong Kong SAR records its strongest-ever showing, hosting five of Asia’s top ten universities.

Highlights

• India shines for research productivity and staff with PhD
• Malaysia is one of the most improved higher education systems in this edition.
• South Korea shows system-wide strength, matching China for the most top-20 positions; 12 of its 15 top-100 universities improve.
• Japan remains a benchmark for teaching quality and research impact, anchored by the University of Tokyo (26th).
• Taiwan sees seven of its top ten universities rise, led by National Taiwan University (23rd).
• Thailand drops out of the top 50 but records more universities rising than declining.
• Vietnam National University emerges as the nation’s top institution.
• The top ten Indonesian universities rise in both academic and employer reputation, strengthening the country’s regional influence.
• Pakistan, with 82 ranked universities, is Asia’s sixth most-represented higher-education system.
• The Philippines marks a milestone with 35 ranked universities, 11 more than the previous edition.
• Kazakhstan dominates Central Asia, boasting all three of the subregion’s top 100 universities while Uzbekistan’s top universities record exceptional rises.

Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President, QS, said:
 “Asia’s higher education story is one of diversity and dynamism. While systems such as China, South Korea, and Singapore are consolidating excellence, others—including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam — are advancing rapidly despite structural and resource challenges. The region’s evolution reflects both its opportunity and its complexity.”

Planned three new hyperscale data centres and innovation hub with power secured

LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a leading global provider of AI, hyperscale, and large enterprise data centres, has announced that it has received committee approval (Resolution to Grant) from Hillingdon Council to expand its Hayes Digital Park campus in West London with three new hyperscale data centres and an Innovation Hub. The £2.5 billion investment will strengthen the UK’s digital infrastructure, support the government’s modern industrial strategy, and help drive the nation’s growing AI economy.

The three new hyperscale data centres, London 6, 7, & 8, will be powered using 100% renewable energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Power contracts for this development have been secured with National Grid and a high voltage supply is due to be delivered by October 2027. The expansion will add an additional 97MW to the available IT power at the Hayes Digital Park, taking the total capacity to 160MW. Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, with the first data centre (London 6) scheduled to go live in early 2029. Once operational, the new facilities will create over 500 permanent jobs, training more than 50 technical apprentices over a ten-year build programme.

In addition to the data centres, Colt DCS will develop an Innovation Hub in partnership with Brunel University, designed to serve as a community space and incubator for digital start-ups. The hub will promote economic synergy by co-locating light-industrial and digital innovation businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration, research, and skills development within an affordable workspace. Students from Brunel University will be encouraged to use the hub to develop entrepreneurial projects and technology-led ventures to support the digital economy.

AECOM has been appointed to develop the design proposals for the Innovation Hub. The facility aims to act as a base for innovation and community engagement, with flexible space for future industrial use, in line with planning policy for Strategic Industrial Land. It will also provide social value by hosting local events themed around culture, food, film, music, and literature.

The new development will also deliver a district heating network, using waste heat from the data centres to support local businesses, communities, and residential buildings. Under the planning permission, back-up generators will only be permitted to operate for a maximum of 15 hours per year, with the data centres powered directly from the national grid.

“This announcement marks another important milestone for the UK’s digital economy,” said Xavier Matagne, Chief Real Estate Officer at Colt DCS. “Data centres are a cornerstone of digital transformation. With this expansion, we can help power innovation, support the AI revolution, and contribute to the energy transition.”

“Our new campus in Hayes, including the Innovation Hub in partnership with Brunel University, will drive community value, from reusing heat for district heating to creating jobs, skills, and long-term investment. As one of the few operators capable of delivering new capacity in this area of London over the next decade, we’re proud to be helping power the UK’s future economy in a sustainable and inclusive way,” Matagne continued.

Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, said: “Hillingdon is open for business, and we’re working closely with our business community, new and existing investors and partners to drive innovation and development in the right places.

“The innovation hub is an exciting new development that will help to foster economic growth. It will help to equip residents and smaller local businesses with the right skills, affordable workspaces, and opportunities to thrive.

“Hayes is playing a leading role in shaping London’s digital economy and infrastructure and it’s vital local people have more opportunities to experience the benefits.”

About Colt DCS

We design, build and operate data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises. Our global portfolio includes 13 operational data centres, with an additional 19 in development across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and the APAC region. We enable our customers to effectively plan for the growth of their business while also providing them with peace of mind. We provide secure, resilient, well-connected infrastructure with planned future capacity growth potential. We have over 25 years of experience in the data centre industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer-centric data centre operator in the market. We put the environment at the heart of everything we do by recognising this as a fundamental responsibility towards our planet. That’s why we’re taking ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability planning, Colt DCS has set comprehensive near-and long-term Science Based Targets to cut our emissions in line with the SBTi’s latest Net Zero Standard.

https://www.coltdatacentres.net 

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Iridium NTN Direct satellite connectivity will give Vodafone IoT’s customers even more coverage across the planet

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, today announced a new partnership with Vodafone IoT to integrate its Iridium NTN Direct^SM service. The new partnership will extend Vodafone IoT’s coverage for customers wanting NB-IoT connectivity – meaning that devices in the most remote locations will now be connected.

Through this partnership, Vodafone IoT will gain access to Iridium NTN Direct – the 3GPP standards-based service providing NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity – keeping its customers and their assets ubiquitously connected.

Planned for commercial launch in 2026, Iridium NTN Direct will connect Vodafone IoT’s NB-IoT customers using the Iridium^® network for data messaging, tracking, and real-time monitoring for IoT, automotive, and industrial devices. This is particularly valuable for industries that demand connectivity in extremely remote locations – such as windfarms, oil pipelines, shipping tracking and emergency services.

“Iridium NTN Direct stands out among NTN and NB-IoT services by offering MNOs – like Vodafone IoT – an unmatched combination of truly global coverage, reliability, and capability,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “This collaboration will help transform the landscape of global connectivity by providing uncompromised scalability and advancing our shared vision to connect and empower enterprise assets and people everywhere.”

Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said: “We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership with Iridium, which opens the door to a new generation of IoT connectivity. By using direct-to-device satellite connectivity, new and existing customers will benefit from truly global coverage – meaning they can reliably connect their devices in corners of the world where they can’t today. This marks a significant step in our mission to connect everything, everywhere.”

With a history of providing safety of life services with the highest reliability, the Iridium network is ideal for D2D and NB-IoT services. Operating on globally coordinated L-band spectrum with proven infrastructure, Iridium has an established track record of providing reliable, weather-resilient, and low-power connectivity at scale. This provides a critical advantage for NB-IoT and D2D applications, where consistent performance in remote and mobile environments matters most.

Upon successful integration and testing, Iridium and Vodafone IoT plan to launch a full commercial service for customers across the globe.

For more information about Iridium NTN Direct visit: https://www.iridium.com/ntn-direct/

About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium^® is the only mobile voice, data, and PNT satellite network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

About Vodafone IoT
Vodafone IoT is a global leader in managed IoT connectivity services. With over 215 million devices connected across more than 180 countries, we provide businesses with reliable and secure IoT solutions, enabling them to effectively manage, monitor, and operate their IoT devices.

Our extensive network partnerships, spanning over 760 networks worldwide, allows us to deliver global IoT solutions that empower businesses to digitalise, transform and maximise the benefits of IoT.
By adopting IoT, businesses can benefit from smarter resource management, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency – helping them to operate more sustainably.
For more information, please visit Vodafone IoT, follow us on X at @VodafoneIoT or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafoneIoT.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the capabilities, benefits and availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service and Iridium’s expected relationship with Vodafone. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “to be” and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the development, marketing and availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service and its integration with Vodafone’s services, the company’s ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 13, 2025, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium’s expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Press Contact:
Jordan Hassin
Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7421

Investor Contact:
Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.
Ken.Levy@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7570

Iridium NTN Direct will bring truly global connectivity to Vodafone IoT Customers

Iridium Satellite Network

XIAMEN, China, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As hybrid work continues to reshape global business communications, professionals demand smarter tools, stronger protection, and more seamless experiences. As the world’s No.1 SIP phone brand for eight consecutive years (source: Frost & Sullivan), Yealink once again leads the evolution with the launch of its next-generation SIP phone lineup — the T7 and T8 Series, under the theme “Ring in Smart Zone.”

Smart Workspace: Smarter Design for Modern Offices

Positioned for different tiers of professional use, the T7 Series is designed for mid-range users, offering a refined design, color display, and essential intelligence for everyday communication. The T8 Series, built for high-end users, takes performance further with advanced AI Noise Cancellation, an emergency button, antimicrobial materials, and an elegant invisible-hinge design.

Both series feature optimized Acoustic Shield and powerful 3W speakers for crystal-clear conversations in dynamic environments. Sustainability remains central to Yealink’s innovation — with green packaging and power-saving modes across all models, and PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials applied to the premium T87W and T88 Series, significantly reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint.

Secure Workspace: Three Rings of IP Phone Protection

Security stands at the heart of the T7/T8 Series. Built on Yealink IP Phone’s “Three Rings of Security“ framework, the phones deliver multi-layered protection across devices, networks, and data:

• Core Ring ensures device integrity through a TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) and secure key management.
• Shield Ring protects network connections from intrusion and unauthorized access with 802.1X authentication, maintaining the resilience and stability of enterprise communications.
• Guard Ring safeguards data transmission with TLS 1.3+ encryption, securing signaling, media, and user data both in transit and at rest.

Together with Yealink’s end-to-end key management system, these defenses form a robust and future-proof security architecture that helps organizations maintain compliance, confidentiality, and confidence worldwide.

Streamlined Workspace: Simplified, Connected, and Flexible

Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (available in T7-W models and all T8 models) and Bluetooth 5.0, the new series supports flexible connectivity and effortless peripheral pairing. The T8 Series also features Device Mode — simply connect the desk phone to a laptop via one USB-C cable, with no need to switch platforms — ensuring a seamless and unified workflow for all users.

Industry Solutions: Empowering Every Scenario

The T7/T8 Series powers over nine industries and dozens of professional scenarios — from executive offices and call centers to front desks and open offices — enabling professionals to communicate smarter, safer, and faster.

With the T7/T8 Series, Yealink redefines enterprise communication for the hybrid era — blending Smart design, Secure architecture, and Streamlined experience to build a truly connected “Smart Zone” where technology, trust, and sustainability meet.

About Yealink
Yealink (300628.SZ) is a global leader in video conferencing, voice communications, and collaboration solutions. With a presence in over 140 countries and regions, Yealink is recognized as a top-three video conferencing provider and the world’s No.1 SIP phone brand.
For more information, visit www.yealink.com

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, a leading provider of medical technology services and distribution solutions in Switzerland, has expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of a stake in QUNIQUE GmbH. Healthcare Holding Schweiz is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH and KKA Partners.

BAAR, Switzerland, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG has successfully acquired a stake in QUNIQUE GmbH, headquartered in Wohlen, thereby strengthening its expertise in regulatory affairs and quality management. In return, QUNIQUE’s founder will reparticipate in the group. QUNIQUE is among the leading ISO 13485-certified consulting firms in the medical technology sector. The company supports manufacturers, importers, distributors, hospitals, and suppliers in ensuring regulatory and quality compliance within Switzerland and the European Union. In addition, QUNIQUE acts as CH-REP and CH-Importer for numerous renowned international MedTech manufacturers, and—through its German subsidiary—also serves as EU-REP and EU-Importer.

Signing and closing in Baar following the investment by Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG in QUNIQUE GmbH. Pictured (from the left): Florian Angstmann, Stefanie Ast, Moritz Kornherr, Philipp Pielmeier, Gregory Budakov-Shetelya, Fabio Fagagnini, Angelina Hakim, Fabian Kröher, Gilles Pitschen, Stefan Sachsenhauser

Fabio Fagagnini, CEO of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, commented: “QUNIQUE is a dynamic and fast-growing consultancy that perfectly complements our group’s offering as a medical technology distributor. Its experienced specialists will now also be available to support our suppliers, while QUNIQUE will continue to operate independently in the market, providing its existing and future clients with expert guidance—backed by our collective know-how and experience.”

Angelina Hakim, Founder and CEO of QUNIQUE GmbH and now a member of the Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG leadership team, added: “This strategic alliance with Healthcare Holding Schweiz will open up many exciting new opportunities for both parties. Together, we can support the entire value chain—from procurement to end customer—more effectively. We will continue to offer our services independently, maintaining our commitment to providing the entire MedTech industry with customer-focused and fully compliant regulatory solutions.”

About QUNIQUE GmbH

Headquartered in Wohlen, QUNIQUE GmbH is an ISO 13485-certified consulting firm specialized in developing customized concepts to support and maintain regulatory compliance for clients in the medical device and in-vitro diagnostics sectors. QUNIQUE’s core expertise lies in the precise analysis and practical implementation of regulatory requirements, including IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation), MDR (Medical Device Regulation), MDSAP (Medical Device Single Audit Program), QM (Quality Management), RA (Regulatory Affairs), training, audits, and technical documentation. In addition, QUNIQUE acts as CH/EU-REP (Swiss and European Authorized Representative) and CH/EU-IMP (Swiss and European Importer) for numerous manufacturers—including several well-known international corporations exporting medical devices to Switzerland and the European Union.

About Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG is a Buy, Build & Technologize platform and a leading provider of medical technology products and services in Switzerland. The group is based in Baar and pursues an ambitious growth strategy through acquisitions, often in the context of succession arrangements, partnerships, and organic growth. Healthcare Holding Schweiz and its group companies are committed to the highest standards of innovation and customer satisfaction. The group consistently leverages technology to make business processes safer and more efficient. As a market leader, the company sets new standards for the industry and offers employees attractive development opportunities. All of the management team holds shares in Healthcare Holding Schweiz, thus forming a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. Since 2023, the group has been led by CEO Fabio Fagagnini.

About KKA Partners

Founded in 2018, KKA Partners is a Berlin-based lower mid-market private equity firm that invests in leading companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – the so-called “Mittelstand”. The Founding Partners all have a deep-rooted family and professional heritage in the Mittelstand developed over 20 years in working closely with Mittelstand companies. KKA is at the forefront of the next wave of value creation through Technology Enabled Transformation of the Mittelstand.

About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG

Winterberg Group AG, based in Zug, operates as an independent family office for its founders. Winterberg mainly invests in SMEs in the German-speaking region and selectively considers investments in startups and real estate. Winterberg Advisory GmbH is a general partner and fund manager regulated by the German BaFin. Winterberg Advisory has launched numerous private equity funds and is invested in Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG through its funds Winterberg Investment VIII and Winterberg Investment IX. The two Managing Partners, Fabian Kröher and Florian Brickenstein, manage Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG via its board of directors.

For press inquiries, please contact presse@healthcare-holding.ch

Note for Editors: Please reference Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG for any provided quotes and information.

For more information about QUNIQUE GmbH, visit www.quniquegroup.com  

For more information about Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, visit www.healthcare-holding.ch

For more information about other portfolio companies of Healthcare Holding, visit www.senectovia.ch, www.winthermedical.ch, www.mikrona.ch, www.orthowalker.ch, www.mcm-medsys.ch, www.naropa-reha.ch, www.mvb-med.ch, www.dentalaxess.ch, www.effectum-chrep.com, www.schaublin-medica.ch, www.cdpswiss.com, www.aestheticbedarf.ch, www.ftcdental.ch, www.inomedicalsolutions.ch

For more information about KKA Partners visit www.kkapartners.com and about Winterberg www.winterberg.group.

This press release is issued and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG.