NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s largest mobile operator, has partnered with D-Wave Quantum Inc. to pilot a quantum optimization solution that significantly enhances mobile network performance. Utilizing D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology, the project achieved a 15% reduction in network signal congestion at base stations, potentially leading to more efficient signal transmission and lower infrastructure costs. The pilot demonstrated that the hybrid-quantum approach could optimize base station tracking areas faster and more effectively than classical methods, handling tasks in 40 seconds that would traditionally take 27 hours.
The success of this pilot is prompting NTT DOCOMO to deploy the solution across its Japanese branch offices, with plans to explore further applications in various business units, including finance and logistics. The collaboration highlights the potential of quantum computing in addressing complex optimization challenges in the telecommunications industry.
D-Wave’s CEO, Dr. Alan Baratz, emphasized the relevance of quantum technologies in solving the increasingly complex operational challenges faced by telecom companies, while NTT DOCOMO’s director of R&D strategy, Takatoshi Okagawa, expressed optimism about maintaining high-quality service without additional infrastructure investments. This partnership marks a significant step towards leveraging quantum computing for real-world telecommunications applications.
For additional information, you can access a press release here provided by D-Wave.
August 22, 2024
