BT Group, Toshiba, and Equinix have announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide quantum-secure connections between data centers in London and Slough, marking a significant step towards safeguarding data against potential quantum computing threats. The project will enable Equinix customers to connect to BT and Toshiba’s quantum-secured metro network and trial data transmission protected by quantum key distribution (QKD).
This first-of-its-kind network in the UK will span a 30-mile distance, linking data centers in London’s Canary Wharf financial district with those in the business hub of Slough. The collaboration aims to offer multi-user access, allowing organizations to trial “quantum keys-as-a-service,” making advanced quantum-secured communications more accessible.
As quantum computing evolves, traditional encryption methods face obsolescence, potentially vulnerable to the power of quantum machines. The risk of “harvest today, decrypt later” attacks, where data encrypted today could be decrypted by future quantum computers, has heightened the demand for robust quantum-secure solutions.
Howard Watson, BT Group’s Chief Security and Networks Officer, emphasized the importance of this project: “Our partnership with Toshiba has already seen us build the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum-secured metro network in London. Today marks a crucial milestone in accelerating the commercialization of quantum-secure connectivity.”
Quantum key distribution, which underpins the security of this new network, uses the principles of quantum mechanics to detect any eavesdropping attempts, ensuring that intercepted data cannot be decrypted. Unlike conventional encryption reliant on complex computational algorithms, QKD offers theoretically unbreakable security based on the fundamental laws of physics.
Bruce Owen, Managing Director of Equinix U.K., highlighted the importance of futureproofing digital infrastructure: “We are pioneering the democratization of quantum secure communications, making it accessible as a service to thousands of businesses. This partnership with BT and Toshiba is a key opportunity to enhance customer access to the innovations needed for resilience in the quantum computing era.”
The initiative is setting the stage for a new era of quantum-secured connectivity, laying the groundwork for broader adoption of advanced data protection technologies across the UK.
Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation, echoed the sentiment: “Our collaboration with BT and Equinix is critical in bringing quantum-secure communications to more organizations. Together, we are building the ultra-secure networks that will form the foundation of the future quantum internet.”
This project serves as a landmark development in the commercialization of quantum-secure communications and the ongoing efforts to protect digital infrastructure against the looming threat of quantum computing.
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