Turkcell, Turkey’s leading telecommunications provider, and ID Quantique, a global leader in quantum-safe security, have successfully demonstrated the world’s first intercontinental Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a fiber-optic link in Istanbul, a city that is located on two continents, Europe and Asia since it straddles the Bosporus Strait. QKD uses quantum mechanics to generate unbreakable encryption keys, ensuring secure communication by detecting any interception attempts. This achievement validates the feasibility of deploying QKD in live telecommunications networks, addressing the growing need for quantum-resistant security as data volumes and connectivity demands increase.
The collaboration utilized ID Quantique’s Clavis XG and Clarion KX platforms, which were integrated into Turkcell’s infrastructure. These platforms provide high-level security for critical sectors such as government, finance, energy, and healthcare. The successful implementation of QKD in a real-world environment highlights its potential to secure next-generation networks, particularly as the industry transitions to 6G and beyond.
This milestone underscores the importance of developing telco-grade QKD solutions that are scalable and reliable for complex telecommunications systems. It also aligns with global efforts to integrate quantum-resistant technologies into future network infrastructures.
For more details, visit the ID Quantique announcement here.
February 26, 2025
