From Quantum Readiness to Practical Action: Launching the Quantum Computing Implementation Playbook for Telco Operators

From network optimisation and planning to security and sustainability, quantum computing has the potential to address some of the telecoindustry’s most complex computational challenges. While the technology continues to mature, operators are increasingly asking a practical question: how do we begin evaluating where quantum computing can deliver value?

Many organisations face similar challenges. Which use cases should be prioritised? How can they be evaluated consistently? What evidence is needed before investment decisions can be made? And what actions can operators take today while quantum hardware continues to evolve?

To help answer these questions, GSMA and QCentroid have developed the Quantum Computing Implementation Playbook for Telco Operators (Download link below)—a practical guide designed to help operators evaluate quantum computing opportunities through structured methodologies, evidence-based assessment and clear implementation pathways.

The Playbook also provides the foundation for the next phase of the programme: the GSMA Foundry x QCentroid Discovery Sandbox, where members can apply these methodologies through guided experimentation and begin building evidence for future deployment.

A Practical Framework for Quantum Adoption

The Playbook provides operators with a structured approach to assessing quantum computing opportunities from both a technical and business perspective.

It introduces a use case definition framework that helps organisations identify problems where quantum computing could provide meaningful value. The framework guides users from problem identification and mathematical formulation through to feasibility assessment and prioritisation.

To support consistent decision-making, the Playbook also introduces an evaluation and benchmarking framework. As quantum hardware continues to evolve, assessing solutions requires more than measuring current performance. Operators also need to understand a solution’s potential scalability, robustness and long-term operational relevance.

To demonstrate these frameworks in practice, the Playbook includes four validated telecom use cases spanning network planning, optimisation, security and operations. Each illustrates how quantum approaches can be assessed for technical suitability, business value and implementation feasibility, while providing practical insight into integration requirements and future scalability.

The Playbook concludes with a five-stage adoption roadmap, guiding organisations from initial awareness and experimentation through validation, early deployment and long-term scaling.

Together, these frameworks reinforce a simple principle: successful quantum adoption starts with selecting the right problems, evaluating them consistently and building evidence over time.

Key Findings from the Playbook

The Playbook highlights several clear conclusions for telco operators.

Quantum Computing is a Specialised Accelerator

Rather than replacing existing operational systems, quantum computing is expected to complement classical computing by accelerating specific computationally intensive tasks. Network planning, optimisation and resource allocation continue to represent some of the strongest near-term opportunities for quantum-enhanced solutions.

Organisations Can Begin Experimenting Today

Although today’s quantum hardware remains constrained, meaningful experimentation is already possible. The validated use cases demonstrate that reduced-scale implementations can provide valuable evidence on algorithm performance, scalability and operational relevance, enabling organisations to begin building capability today.

Organisational Readiness is Critical

Technology maturity is only one part of the equation. Successful adoption also depends on data readiness, workflow integration and organisational capability. Developing the skills and processes needed to evaluate quantum solutions will be as important as advances in the underlying hardware.

From Guidance to Practical Application

The Playbook provides operators with the tools to identify and assess opportunities for quantum computing. The next step is putting those methodologies into practice.

To support this, GSMA and QCentroid are launching the Discovery Sandbox—a structured programme that enables members to evaluate quantum computing use cases in a collaborative, low-risk environment.

The Sandbox builds directly on the Playbook’s methodologies and offers two participation pathways.

The Accelerated Track is a 16-week guided implementation programme where participants pilot one of the validated use cases using quantum computing resources with expert support.

The Standard Track is an eight-week programme focused on helping organisations identify, assess and prioritise their own portfolio of quantum opportunities using the Playbook’s evaluation frameworks.

Both tracks are designed to help operators build practical experience, generate evidence, evaluate business value and develop informed quantum strategies while reducing the barriers to early experimentation.

Download the Playbook and Join the Sandbox

The Quantum Computing Implementation Playbook for Telco Operators provides practical frameworks, validated telecom use cases and an adoption roadmap to help operators assess where quantum computing can create value.

To put these methodologies into practice, operators can apply to join the GSMA Foundry x QCentroid Discovery Sandbox, where participants will evaluate quantum use cases through structured experimentation and expert guidance.

Applications are now open:

• Accelerated Track – applications close 4 September
• Standard Track – applications close 18 September

To download the playbook fill your details below or apply for the Discovery Sandbox, contact quantumtech@gsma.com.

The journey from quantum interest to quantum readiness has already begun. The next step is practical action.