BT Group, Equinix, and Toshiba have announced what they claim is the UK's first quantum-secure connectivity service at two Equinix data centers in London's Canary Wharf and Slough. These data centers will offer customers access to BT Group and Toshiba's quantum-secured metro network and trial the transmission of data protected using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
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Quantum-Secure Connectivity Services
This UK-first dedicated quantum-secure connectivity service between data centers will provide multi-user access, said BT Group in a joint statement.
The new service aims to address emerging risks from quantum computing, which could potentially undermine current encryption methods. By utilising QKD, these data centers will offer a robust defense against future quantum threats.
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Emerging Risks of Quantum Computing
Commenting on the development, BT Group said: "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 toward accelerating the commercialisation of quantum-secure connectivity. With quantum technologies advancing at incredible speed, we continue to explore and test practical technologies emerging from this highly innovative field to secure the UK's digital infrastructure against future quantum threats."
Equinix said: "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."
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Future Outlook for Quantum Technologies
"Our collaboration with BT Group and Equinix is a critical next step on our shared journey to commercialise QKD services in the UK, bringing quantum-secure communications to more organisations. We are focused on ensuring all businesses are provided with the opportunity to protect their data from retrospective attacks with a quantum computer," Toshiba Digital Solutions, added.
