Quantum computing
Quantum computing offers a powerful new approach to solving the complex optimisation challenges that constrain today’s networks.
By leveraging core quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement, quantum systems can explore vast solution spaces rapidly and with enhanced precision – unlocking new opportunities in network design, operations, and security. By leveraging core quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement, quantum systems can evaluate vast solutions rapidly with enhanced precision- unlocking new opportunities in network design, operations, and security.
As a result, quantum computing offers a new frontier for delivering unprecedented optimisation capabilities across the telecom sector – from network configuration and traffic routing to real-time resource allocation. Looking ahead, quantum enhanced machine learning techniques will be able to analyse large scale telco datasets (logs, user behaviour, or network performance) at a speed and levels of accuracy far beyond classic methods, identifying subtle patterns in user behaviours, performance trends, or anomalies. This will support more powerful data analytics workflows, personalised services, and more efficient network management.
Longer-term impact
Future fault-tolerant quantum computers, expected to comprise millions of qubits, will be able to run deeper, more complex algorithms and deliver transformative performance gains. In telecoms, this will enable quantum-accelerated machine learning for superior anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, churn prediction, traffic forecasting, and adaptive bandwidth management. The impact will extend beyond telecoms to sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, with early quantum processing capabilities already being integrated into data centres and accessed through cloud platforms. This creates a strategic opportunity for operators to leverage their fibre, cloud, and integration capabilities to play a central role in how quantum computing is delivered across industries.
Quantum computers will also unlock value across other sectors – including finance, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Distribution platforms are only now emerging, with early examples of quantum processing integrated into data centres and accessed via cloud platforms. Therefore, there is an opportunity for telcos to leverage fibre, cloud infrastructure, and integrator capabilities to play a key role in the way quantum computing is accessed – across sectors.
FAQs
Are quantum computers a threat to security?
Quantum computers are both a risk and an opportunity for security.
At scale, they will be able to break many of today’s widely used encryption methods, including RSA and ECC, which currently protect sensitive data across networks, devices and digital services. This is why governments, standards bodies and industry players are prioritising the transition to quantum-safe security through Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
On the other hand, quantum computing – particularly when coupled with machine learning approaches – can offer opportunities to increase overall network security and resilience.
• Network outages: rapidly pinpoint the root cause of network outages, enabling focussed recovery and minimal downtime
• Vulnerable nodes: identify priority nodes for software patches, additional shielding, or reconfiguration to prevent long kill-chains and minimise disruption
• Malicious network traffic: recognize and categorise unusual or anomalous network traffic.
While addressing the cryptographic threat posed by quantum computers is a necessity, telcos should act early to investigate the new possibilities offered by quantum computing for next-level network security and resilience.
What is the status of deployment for quantum computing?
Quantum computers are rapidly evolving, with milestones reached by companies working on several different qubit technologies – including superconducting, trapped ion, neutral atom, and photonic chip. Current-day machines are typically noisy, with limited qubit numbers, which can be used for a limited set of applications – including telco-relevant optimisation tasks. Industry leaders expect to develop fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of running scalable, complicated algorithms between 2029 and 2033.
Cloud access platforms for quantum computers are increasingly emerging, with multiple offers allowing low-cost experimentation and access to a range of hardware. Quantum emulators – which use classical compute to model the operation of small numbers of qubits – can also be used to test simplified problems and demonstrate the utility of algorithms over small data sets.
Will quantum computers replace traditional computers?
Quantum computers will not replace traditional methods – they will complement and enhance them.
Classical computers will remain essential for most day-to-day tasks, as they are efficient, cost-effective, and mature. Quantum computers are designed to tackle problems that are too complex or data-heavy for classical approaches, such as large-scale optimisation.
In practice, the future will be hybrid: classical and quantum working together, with operators using the right tool for the right job. This combination will deliver more powerful, efficient, and scalable applications than either technology alone.
Other key quantum technologies
Quantum sensing
