September 13, 2024 -- BT Group, Equinix and Toshiba today announced they will provide quantum secure connectivity at two prime colocation Equinix data centres located in London’s Canary Wharf and Slough. Customers using the Equinix data centres (which can provide equipment, space and bandwidth to multiple organisations securely co-located in the same data centre) will be able to connect to BT Group and Toshiba’s quantum-secured metro network and trial the transmission of data, protected using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

This UK first for dedicated quantum secure connectivity services between data centres, will provide multi-user access. Located in the heart of London’s financial services district and an area densely populated by businesses, the two sites provide ideal points for a wide range of organisations to trial “quantum keys-as-a-service” and marks a significant step towards making quantum secured communications more accessible.

With global investment accelerating the development of Quantum computers, there is an increased risk to current encryption techniques. Quantum computing has the potential to be able to crack the mathematics that underpins much of the current cryptography that is used to secure networks. Data which requires long term security could be at risk of ‘store today, crack later attacks’ when sufficiently powerful quantum computers are available. QKD-based security is unique because the key-exchange is secure against any computational or mathematical advance.

Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group said: “Our partnership with Toshiba has already seen us build the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum-secured metro network in London and today marks an important milestone in our journey towards accelerating the commercialisation of quantum-secure connectivity. With quantum technologies moving at an incredible speed, we continue to explore and test the practical technologies emerging from this highly innovative field to secure the UK’s digital infrastructure against future quantum threats”.

Bruce Owen, Managing Director UK at Equinix said: “Equinix is committed to making investments in futureproof secure connectivity and hosting, for our customers today and well into the future. We understand just how complex today’s digital challenges can be, which is why we are pioneering the democratisation of quantum secure communications, making it accessible as a service to thousands of businesses worldwide. This collaboration with BT Group and Toshiba is a welcome opportunity to enhance our customers’ access to innovation that will build resiliency in the quantum computing era.”

Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Officer and Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation, and Vice President of ICT Solutions Division at Toshiba Digital Solutions, said: “Our collaboration with BT Group and Equinix is a critical next step on our shared journey to commercialise QKD services in the UK, bringing quantum-secure communications to more organisations. We are focused on ensuring all business are provided with the opportunity to protect their data from retrospective attacks with a quantum computer. Together we are building the ultra-secure networks that will be the bedrock for the future quantum internet.”