Microsoft exits Nscale UK data centre; SpaceX targets 2028 D2D launch

Microsoft pulled out of a 50MW lease at Nscale's Loughton AI data centre after grid connection delays pushed supply into the 2030s. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent for a joint MSS spectrum bid, while SpaceX plans its own direct-to-device service in early 2028.

• Nscale committed £2.5bn to the UK; Microsoft planned ~23,000 Nvidia GB300 chips on site
• Half of UK data centre developers face grid waits of three to eight years
• The four European operators will not invest directly in a satellite constellation
• SpaceX won FCC approval for 15,000 V2 satellites and bought up to 14MHz at 800MHz