A recent survey by TelecomTV has identified BT Group and Deutsche Telekom as frontrunners in the critical field of quantum-safe networking. The study, which polled 241 telecommunications professionals worldwide, highlights significant advancements and strategic initiatives by these companies, signaling a proactive approach to securing future communications against the looming threat of quantum computing.
BT Group garnered substantial recognition, securing 42% of the votes, a notable increase from the previous year's 26%. This recognition stems from its pioneering launch of the first quantum-safe data transport service in 2022 and its ongoing collaborations aimed at advancing quantum connectivity. These efforts underscore a commitment to building a more resilient network infrastructure. Deutsche Telekom also distinguished itself, with its quantum research lab, established in 2023, and a remarkable demonstration in March 2025. The company successfully achieved sustained transmission of entangled photons with an impressive 99% fidelity over 30 kilometers of commercial fiber optic cable for 17 days. This technical feat showcases a deep engagement with the foundational elements of quantum communication.
Following closely behind, Orange and SK Telecom were jointly recognized in third place. Orange has launched its own quantum-safe network service, while SK Telecom has been actively pursuing partnerships for AI integration within this domain. Vodafone secured fourth place, with other notable mentions including Telefónica, Colt, AT&T, China Telecom, Sparkle, and NTT, indicating a broad industry engagement with quantum-safe technologies.
The urgency for quantum-safe networking is driven by the potential of quantum computers to break current encryption standards, a threat that could compromise sensitive data and secure communications. Experts warn that adversaries may already be harvesting encrypted data, anticipating future decryption capabilities. This proactive development of quantum-safe infrastructure is therefore not merely an upgrade but a fundamental necessity for maintaining digital security in an evolving technological landscape. The ongoing race among telecommunications giants reflects a collective understanding that securing the future of digital communication requires foresight and immediate action to build robust, quantum-resistant networks.