Insider Brief:
- Turkcell and ID Quantique completed the world’s first terrestrial intercontinental quantum key distribution (QKD) over a fiber-optic link in Istanbul, demonstrating its potential for securing telecommunications networks.
- The trial connected the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, showing QKD’s feasibility in real-world telecommunications and its role in enhancing security for sectors like government, finance, and critical infrastructure.
- Turkcell’s initiative positions Türkiye as an early adopter of quantum-secure communications, supporting global efforts to integrate QKD into scalable, quantum-resistant network infrastructure.
PRESS RELEASE — Turkcell and ID Quantique have completed the world’s first terrestrial intercontinental quantum key distribution over a fiber-optic link in Istanbul, according to a recent announcement. This demonstration advances the use of quantum technologies in securing telecommunications infrastructure.
QKD is a cryptographic technique that uses quantum mechanics to generate encryption keys that cannot be copied or intercepted without detection. Unlike conventional encryption, which relies on mathematical complexity, QKD provides security based on the fundamental properties of quantum particles. This capability is expected to be relevant in protecting sensitive data from future quantum computing threats, which could potentially break widely used encryption protocols.
Integrating QKD Into Telecommunications Networks
The intercontinental QKD trial was conducted over a fiber-optic network connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. This test illustrates the possibility of deploying QKD in real-world telecommunications environments, where it could serve as a security layer against evolving cyber threats.
Dr. Ali Taha Koç, CEO of Turkcell, emphasized the broader industry impact of the project. “This achievement marks a pivotal moment not only for our company but for the entire telecommunications industry. Quantum technology is a cornerstone of our strategic vision, and we are investing today to build the networks of tomorrow.”
The growing need for secure communications is driving interest in quantum-safe encryption methods, particularly as telecommunications networks prepare for future technologies such as 6G. The expansion of networked systems and increasing data transmission rates require enhanced security solutions to protect against both classical and quantum-enabled cyber threats.
Grégoire Ribody, CEO of ID Quantique, highlighted the relevance of QKD in critical sectors, stating, “The adoption of Clavis XG and Clarion KX platform into Turkcell’s infrastructure will ensure their customers requiring high-level security, such as government, financial services, energy, critical infrastructure, and healthcare verticals stay ahead of the future risks.”
QKD’s Role in Future Networks
QKD technology operates by transmitting quantum particles, such as photons, to establish encryption keys between two parties. Any attempt to intercept the transmission disturbs these particles, alerting users to potential eavesdropping. While QKD has been tested in controlled environments and satellite-based experiments, deploying it in commercial fiber-optic networks presents additional challenges, including signal loss and integration with existing infrastructure.
According to the release, this project demonstrates the viability of integrating QKD into telecommunications networks at a larger scale. The industry focus is now shifting toward ensuring that QKD solutions meet reliability and scalability requirements for widespread adoption. Live network tests, such as Turkcell’s intercontinental deployment, are essential for validating the practical use of quantum security technologies.
As interest in quantum-resistant encryption grows, collaborations between technology providers and network operators will likely continue to shape the adoption of QKD in commercial and government applications. Turkcell’s initiative positions Türkiye as an early adopter of quantum-secure communications, contributing to the global effort to develop infrastructure capable of withstanding future cybersecurity challenges.
