• BT and Toshiba have already deployed a quantum-safe metro network in the London area
• Now they have teamed up with datacentre operator Equinix
• Its facilities in Canary Wharf, London, and Slough will be connected by data links protected using quantum key distribution

BT, already one of the telecom sector’s leaders in the development of quantum-safe networking services, has taken its post-quantum strategy to the next level: Together with existing partner Toshiba, it has teamed up with Equinix to enable quantum-secure connectivity between the datacentre operator’s facilities in Slough, located west of London, and Canary Wharf, in the financial district of the UK capital. 

BT and Toshiba have already established a quantum-safe metro network, whereby user data is protected as it traverses the optical fibres using quantum key distribution (QKD), linking London and Slough. That service is already being used by consulting giant EY – see BT boasts quantum security breakthrough with Toshiba, EY.

Now, enterprises using Equinix’s Slough and Canary Wharf datacentres will be able to connect to the BT/Toshiba network and try the service. “Located in the heart of London’s financial services district and an area densely populated by businesses, the two sites provide ideal points for a wide range of organisations to trial ‘quantum keys-as-a-service’ and [the move] marks a significant step towards making quantum-secured communications more accessible,”  noted BT. 

The future use of quantum computers by so-called ‘bad actors’ poses a major threat to the cybersecurity of enterprises. Quantum computers, which are expected to be available by the end of this decade, will be capable of cracking current encryption techniques in seconds, hence the need for the deployment of technologies, such as QKD, that can protect data in the post-quantum era.  

But using such technology to protect data transmissions now is also a savvy move as any data stolen today that is too hard to encrypt using current hacking methods can be stored and then accessed using quantum computers when they become available. As BT pointed out, “Data which requires long-term security could be at risk of ‘store-today, crack-later attacks’ when sufficiently powerful quantum computers are available. QKD-based security is unique because the key-exchange is secure against any computational or mathematical advance,” making it permanently secure. 

Howard Watson, BT’s chief security and networks officer, stated: “Our partnership with Toshiba has already seen us build the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum-secured metro network in London and today marks an important milestone in our journey towards accelerating the commercialisation of quantum-secure connectivity. With quantum technologies moving at an incredible speed, we continue to explore and test the practical technologies emerging from this highly innovative field to secure the UK’s digital infrastructure against future quantum threats.”

The move is also a boon for Equinix which, like any datacentre operator, wants to be seen to be providing the very best in data and connectivity security. “Equinix is committed to making investments in futureproof secure connectivity and hosting, for our customers today and well into the future,” stated Bruce Owen, managing director for the UK at Equinix. “We understand just how complex today’s digital challenges can be, which is why we are pioneering the democratisation of quantum-secure communications, making it accessible as a service to thousands of businesses worldwide. This collaboration with BT Group and Toshiba is a welcome opportunity to enhance our customers’ access to innovation that will build resiliency in the quantum computing era,” added Owen. 

The announcement comes only weeks after the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued the first three encryption algorithms developed to resist and negate attacks made by quantum computers against digital security defences, including those deployed in communications network infrastructure, a move welcomed by BT. 

“The publication of NIST’s first set of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards is a significant milestone for modern cybersecurity,” the operator stated in comments shared with the media. “The set of algorithms are a globally leading standard in a new era of protecting communications against cyberattacks by quantum computers,” the operator noted.  

The move can only further enhance BT’s reputation as one of the leading players in the quantum-safe networking sector: Earlier this year, BT was identified as one of the world’s leading companies in the development of technology that will enable quantum-safe networking. In a market perception survey conducted by TelecomTV, which garnered more than 330 responses, IBM ranked first, followed by Nokia and BT – notably, the fourth and fifth places were also taken by network operators, SK Telecom and Vodafone – see IBM tops quantum-safe networking ranking.

Those operators are by no means the only telcos that have already kickstarted their quantum-safe networking strategies – check out these articles for further insights:

Singtel launches Southeast Asia’s first nationwide quantum-safe network, ready for enterprise trials

Telefónica, Fortinet, Quantum XChange and Warpcom present innovative solution for quantum cyberattacks

Orange doubles down on quantum network tests

SK Telecom, IDQ et al form Quantum Alliance

Vodafone touts advances in quantum-safe networking

Orange puts Adtran’s quantum-secure networking tech to the test

Nokia and Proximus demonstrate future of network security

Like any emerging technology, though, quantum-safe networking doesn’t come cheap. This is something that BT has long recognised: In 2022, Tim Whitley, the BT distinguished engineer and then managing director of the telco’s Applied Research department and its UK R&D campus, Adastral Park, stated that efforts by Toshiba to integrate QKD technology with optical networking systems would “make things better and more reliable, but will actually make them, I think, lower cost as well.” 

Whitley retired last year and was succeeded by Gabriela Styf Sjöman, who is BT Group’s managing director of research and networks strategy. At a BT ‘Secure Tomorrow Festival’ event held at Adastral Park on 12 September, Styf Sjöman told TelecomTV that she is set to more closely integrate the quantum-safe networking and optical research teams to further develop the telco’s solution.  

- Ray Le Maistre, Editorial Director, TelecomTV