February 26, 2025 -- In a groundbreaking milestone for global telecommunications, Turkcell, Türkiye’s leading technology company and mobile operator, and ID Quantique, a global leader in quantum-safe security, have successfully completed the world’s first intercontinental quantum key distribution (QKD) over a fiber-optic link in Istanbul.

This achievement represents a significant leap forward in secure communications, showcasing the transformative potential of quantum technologies in safeguarding data across continents.

QKD’s importance extends far beyond theoretical advancements; it is set to play a critical role in the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure. As we transition into the era of 6G and beyond, where data volumes and connectivity demands are exponentially increasing, ensuring secure and resilient networks becomes paramount. QKD provides a quantum-resistant layer of security, essential for protecting sensitive information against emerging threats, including those posed by quantum computers.

This pioneering project highlights not only the significance of quantum technology but also the importance of developing telco-grade QKD solutions. Rigorous live network tests and real-world deployments are crucial for validating the reliability and scalability of these technologies in complex telecommunications environments. Our success in executing this intercontinental QKD trial with ID Quantique demonstrates our commitment to leading the industry in integrating quantum security into next-generation networks, setting new global standards for secure communication.

“This achievement marks a pivotal moment not only for our company but for the entire telecommunications industry. Quantum technology is a cornerstone of our strategic vision, and we are investing today to build the networks of tomorrow. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our belief that quantum-secure communication will be fundamental to the future of global connectivity,” said Dr. Ali Taha Koç, CEO of Turkcell.

“We are thrilled to support Turkcell’s cybersecurity strategy to mitigate the quantum threat. The adoption of Clavis XG and Clarion KX platform into Turkcell’s infrastructure will ensure their customers requiring high-level security, such as government, financial services, energy, critical infrastructure, and healthcare verticals stay ahead of the future risks,” said Grégoire Ribody, CEO of ID Quantique.

Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cutting-edge technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to create unbreakable encryption keys. Unlike traditional encryption methods, QKD ensures that any attempt to intercept the communication is immediately detectable, offering unprecedented levels of security. As we move towards the era of 6G and beyond, QKD is poised to become a cornerstone technology, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure in an increasingly connected world.