The Hidden Threat of Data Drift in Telecom AI
Sagar Nangare
Sagar Nangare
June 24, 2025
5 Minutes read
Quantum Computing in Telecom: Revolutionizing Networks with AI and Security
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently underscored the disruptive power of quantum computing, stating it could solve problems that would take “years of processing” on even Nvidia’s most advanced AI systems. He predicted quantum computing would tackle “some interesting problems” shortly, setting a bold vision for industries like telecommunications.
As the telecom industry races toward 6G and beyond, the demand for real-time data processing, AI-driven optimization, and robust security is pushing the limits of classical computing. Enter quantum computing—a transformative technology leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle complex problems at unprecedented speeds.
Unlike classical computers that process bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which, through superposition, can represent both states simultaneously. This unique capability makes quantum computing a game-changer for the telecom industry, particularly when paired with artificial intelligence (AI) and applied to use cases such as network optimization and quantum-safe security.
In this article, we delve into how leading telecom operators—Vodafone, BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom—are leveraging quantum computing to transform their networks, drawing insights from recent industry developments.
Operator Strategies: Pioneering Quantum in Telecom
1. Vodafone: Optimizing Global Networks with Photonic Quantum Computing
Vodafone is at the forefront of using photonic quantum computing, specifically ORCA Computing’s PT-2 Series, to optimize network design and planning. Their initial focus is on solving computationally intensive fiber cable routing problems, aiming to reduce cable length, optimize mobile base station locations, and minimize civil engineering costs. Looking ahead, Vodafone plans to model its global infrastructure, including its undersea cable network (handling ~1/6 of global internet traffic) and satellite-based direct-to-mobile broadband services. This approach promises cost savings, improved efficiency, and scalability for managing a vast telecom footprint.
2. BT: Leading with Quantum-Safe Security and Beyond
BT is prioritizing quantum-safe security through QKD and PQC while also exploring quantum sensing and network optimization. They’ve deployed the UK’s first commercial quantum-secured metro network in London, enabling ultra-secure data transmission for businesses like HSBC and EY. BT is also trialing long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD), including satellite-based systems, to extend the secure communication range. Their Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) uses quantum sensing for precise network monitoring and fault detection, enhancing resilience. Additionally, BT is investigating quantum algorithms for network optimization, including efficient resource allocation and signal processing, although this is still in its early stages.
3. Verizon: Building the Quantum Internet and Enhancing AI
Verizon is taking a multifaceted approach, focusing on quantum-safe security, quantum networking, and quantum-enhanced AI. They’ve conducted QKD pilots in Washington, D.C., to secure live video streams and detect eavesdropping, aligning with ITU-T Y.3800 standards. As a partner in the U.S. DOE’s Q-NEXT initiative, Verizon is contributing to quantum internet development, exploring quantum repeaters and hybrid quantum-classical architectures. Additionally, they’re researching Quantum Machine Learning (QML) to improve network analytics, predictive maintenance, and resource allocation, positioning themselves for smarter, more efficient networks.
4. SK Telecom: Integrating Quantum with AI and Security
SK Telecom is a global leader in quantum adoption, integrating quantum technologies for both security and AI-driven optimization. In October 2024, they launched a hybrid QKD-PQC encryption solution, compliant with NIST standards, for secure key exchange in 5G backbones, VPNs, and data centers. Their Quantum-Safe-as-a-Service (QaaS), deployed with partners like Nokia and ID Quantique at Equinix’s Seoul data center, extends quantum security to enterprises. SK Telecom’s partnership with IonQ (February 2025) embeds trapped-ion quantum computing into AI platforms, enhancing Personal AI Agents, AI data centers, and Edge AI operations for faster, power-efficient processing. Their leadership in global standards (ITU-T, ETSI) and the X Quantum alliance solidifies their position as a pioneer in quantum telecom.
| Category | Operator | Operator Initiative / Use Case | Use Case Impact |
| Network Planning & Optimization | Vodafone | It utilizes photonic quantum computing (via ORCA) to optimize fiber routing, reduce cable length, and minimize civil work, with plans to model undersea cables and satellite broadband infrastructure. | Solves complex network design problems faster, lowering costs and improving rollout efficiency. |
| BT | Exploring quantum algorithms for efficient network layouts, signal processing, and resource allocation. | Early-stage research shows the potential to enhance telecom infrastructure design and efficiency. | |
| SK Telecom | Integrates IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computing into AI workflows for optimizing AI data centers and Edge AI networks. | Enables faster, more efficient network automation using AI-quantum collaboration. | |
| Quantum-Safe Security | BT | Deploys Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in London metro networks and explores Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs). | Delivers quantum-resilient security and counters future threats like “harvest now, decrypt later.” |
| Verizon | Conducts real-world QKD pilots to secure live video streams and aligns with ITU-T QKD standards for tamper-evident encryption. | Strengthens critical infrastructure against evolving quantum-based cyberattacks. | |
| SK Telecom | Offers hybrid QKD + PQC encryption and Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) with Equinix and leads global standards in quantum-secure networks. | Secures 5G, VPN, and data center links with future-proof encryption systems. | |
| Quantum Networking & Internet | BT | Trials long-range QKD, including satellite-based communication, to broaden quantum-secure connectivity. | Expands quantum-safe communication beyond fiber limits. |
| Verizon | Partner in Q-NEXT (U.S. DOE initiative) to develop the quantum internet with quantum repeaters and hybrid architectures. | Pioneers scalable and secure telecom networks of the future. | |
| Quantum-Enhanced AI & ML | Verizon | Researches Quantum Machine Learning (QML) to improve telecom analytics, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and resource allocation. | It delivers real-time insights, improves operational intelligence, and reduces costs. |
| SK Telecom | Embeds IonQ quantum processors into AI platforms (e.g., Personal AI Agents, AI data centers, Edge AI) for faster, lower-power telecom-scale AI workloads. | Enhances processing efficiency and enables next-gen intelligent telecom services. | |
| Quantum Sensing & Timing | BT | Builds Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) and explores quantum-based timing for precise monitoring, fault detection, and synchronization. | Enhances network reliability and resilience, enabling predictive maintenance. |
Challenges and Opportunities
The promise of quantum computing in telecom is tempered by significant challenges, particularly in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. Current quantum computers are limited by the number of qubits, lack of fault tolerance, and high costs, which restrict their near-term impact. Ericsson’s research highlights that while quantum annealers can achieve a speedup of up to 29 times for optimization tasks, quantum machine learning models require 20 times fewer trainable parameters. These systems are slower than state-of-the-art classical computers. Additionally, Ericsson notes that quantum computers will only add significant value to telecom network infrastructure when they become scalable and fault-tolerant, a milestone likely 10–15 years away.
The computational complexity of telecom problems, such as the quadratic scaling of qubit requirements for tasks like Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) minimization, further complicates the adoption of these solutions.
Security is another critical concern: as quantum computers advance, they could break widely used cryptographic algorithms, thereby threatening the integrity of 5G networks. . However, hybrid classical-quantum approaches are bridging these gaps, improving solution quality for large-scale problems, while operators like BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom are proactively deploying Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to counter these risks.
Key Takeaways and Predictions
Key Takeaways
- Quantum computing enhances telecom capabilities: From optimizing fiber routing (Vodafone) to securing 5G networks (BT, Verizon, SK Telecom), quantum technologies address critical challenges in network design, security, and intelligence.
- Hybrid approaches are key: Combining classical and quantum computing delivers practical benefits in the NISQ era, particularly for optimization and ML tasks.
- Security is a priority: QKD and PQC are critical for protecting telecom networks against future quantum threats, with operators already deploying real-world solutions.
- AI collaboration drives innovation: Quantum-enhanced AI (Verizon, SK Telecom) promises faster, more efficient processing for next-gen telecom services.
- Collaboration fuels progress: Partnerships with quantum tech providers (e.g., ORCA, IonQ) and research initiatives (e.g., Q-NEXT) are accelerating adoption.
Predictions
- By 2030, quantum-safe security will be standard: As quantum computers mature, QKD and PQC will become integral to 5G& 6G networks, with hybrid solutions dominating due to PQC’s scalability and QKD’s unmatched security.
- Quantum-AI integration will transform 6G: Operators like SK Telecom will lead in embedding quantum computing into AI-driven network management, enabling real-time optimization and predictive maintenance by 2035.
- Quantum internet will emerge: Verizon’s Q-NEXT contributions and BT’s satellite-based QKD trials will pave the way for hybrid quantum-classical networks within the next decade.
- Scalability remains a hurdle: Fault-tolerant, scalable quantum computers are likely 10–15 years away, but hybrid approaches will deliver incremental benefits in the interim.
- Global standards will drive adoption: SK Telecom’s leadership in ITU-T and ETSI standards will accelerate the global rollout of quantum-safe and quantum-enhanced telecom solutions.
Quantum computing is no longer a distant dream for telecom—it’s a reality being tested and deployed today. As operators like Vodafone, BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom continue to innovate, the collaboration of quantum computing, AI, and security will define the future of telecom networks, paving the way for Smarter, safer, and more efficient 5G & 6G ecosystems. The age of quantum-native networks is on the horizon.
Related Insights
Why AI-Powered Marketing Is Key to Business Growth
Tharik Mohamed Alikul Jaman
How AI Agents will Drive Us from Automation to Autonomy
Sagar Nangare
