Views from Telecom Operators on Quantum Technologies
Our views on the needs, concerns and constraints of our sector related to the quantum ecosystem.
Quantum technologies have the potential to transform the digital landscape, and present a wide range of potential uses for telecommunication operators, particularly with regard to quantum-secure communication and encryption, quantum computing and quantum sensing. Beyond technical capabilities, embracing quantum technology feeds into the EU’s strategic goals related to competitiveness and Europe’s role on the global stage. Our members have been actively exploring the opportunities that quantum technologies bring in a number of ways, and are following developments with interest.
Quantum computers are uniquely suited to simulate quantum mechanics itself, with the ability to directly model many interacting, entangled particles and outperform classical computers. This makes quantum simulation one of the most economically important applications of quantum computing, representing opportunities in the telecoms sector related to secure communications, new capabilities for network transmission and management, and for service delivery. At the same time, quantum computing introduces profound risks, and could compromise much of today’s public-key cryptography, which underpins secure internet communications. The cryptographic disruption triggered by quantum computing therefore must be handled in parallel to the development of quantum technologies.
While it is clear that there is enormous potential for quantum technologies, the EU must take strong action to make these goals materialize, and likewise implement effective safeguards to bolster European achievements in this area. Against this backdrop, we are sharing our remarks on the key opportunities and the key challenges & recommendations to maximize the potential of quantum technologies for the telecommunications sector, as well as examples of where our members are already actively engaged. A shared understanding of the potential impact of these technologies will help to form a stable foundation for Europe, and to establish legal certainty for industries that will be central to its evolution.
