UltraEdge sparks €400M French data center network shift

UltraEdge, a joint venture between Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Altice France, has launched a €400 million initiative to build France’s first nationwide independent data center network by 2028. The company opened its first regional hub in Bordeaux this week, part of a plan to establish up to nine interconnected facilities across the country using 257 existing sites from Altice’s SFR subsidiary.

The venture positions itself strategically between large hyperscalers and micro-data centers, targeting local enterprises, telecommunications companies, and cloud providers seeking to improve performance for French users. The transaction establishing the company valued it at €764 million, according to White & Case, with Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners holding a 70% majority stake and Altice France retaining 30%.

The Bordeaux facility at 3 Rue du Dr Gabriel Péri represents the first operational hub in what the company calls its Datapole project. The site is undergoing renovation to add 1 MW of power to its existing 1.9 MW capacity, La Tribune reported. The facility operates as a carrier-neutral hub with connectivity services from providers including Megaport.

Market Strategy and Competitive Edge

UltraEdge’s approach leverages a critical advantage: its portfolio of 257 existing data centers provides immediate market access without the delays of new construction. This strategy minimizes regulatory hurdles and potential local opposition that typically accompany greenfield developments, while the sites remain interconnected through SFR’s national fiber network.

The distributed colocation model aims to bring data storage and processing closer to end-users across French metropolitan areas, addressing growing demand for low-latency services outside traditional hubs like Paris. The investment will modernize aging infrastructure through upgraded cooling systems and power generators, though the company has not disclosed specific renewable energy strategies.

Regional Development Impact

Beyond infrastructure development, UltraEdge has partnered with Ionaka to install aeroponic farms on its properties in Villenave-d’Ornon, Toulouse, and Vénissieux. These facilities produce fruits and vegetables for employees and local aid organizations, according to La Tribune.

The €400 million investment through 2027-2028 targets modernization of critical digital infrastructure in regional areas, supporting local businesses and public entities with enhanced computing and connectivity access. While specific job creation figures remain undisclosed, the project represents one of France’s largest independent data center initiatives, addressing the country’s growing need for distributed digital infrastructure as demand for cloud services and edge computing accelerates.