Colt Technology Services is a multinational telecommunications and digital infrastructure company headquartered in London, UK, providing advanced network and communications services across Europe, Asia, and North America. Founded in 1992 as City Of London Telecommunications, Colt initially built a telecom network in London and expanded throughout major European cities. It was publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and later acquired by Fidelity Investments in 2015. Colt’s network, known as the Colt IQ Network, delivers scalable connectivity solutions tailored to information-intensive businesses, enabling digital transformation and access to emerging markets[1][2][5].
Over its history, Colt has strategically grown through acquisitions such as MarketPrizm in 2011, ThinkGrid in 2012, and KVH in Japan in 2014, broadening its technological capabilities and geographic footprint. In 2022, Colt agreed to acquire Lumen Technologies’ business in EMEA for $1.8 billion, reflecting its ongoing expansion and ambition to lead in global digital infrastructure[2]. The company emphasizes exceptional customer experience, sustainability, and innovation, integrating a partner ecosystem and committing to net-zero environmental targets[1][6].
Notable aspects of Colt include its strong focus on co-creation with customers and partners, fostering trust, integrity, and collaboration. The company also prioritizes sustainability, reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and embedding these into its operations[1][6]. However, Colt faced a significant cybersecurity incident in August 2025, where attackers accessed customer data, highlighting challenges in securing global telecom networks[2].
Overall, Colt stands out as a global digital infrastructure leader, combining network technology, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation to empower businesses navigating an increasingly connected world[1][2][6]. Its evolution from a London-focused telecom startup to a multinational with a world-class network illustrates its key achievements and ongoing relevance in business and technology sectors.