Quantum Security Progress: Finland’s first commercial test of quantum encryption technology.
Operator Involvement: Telia plays a central role in assessing real-world applications.
Future Readiness: QKD and PQC solutions to counter quantum computing threats.
Telia has conducted Finland’s inaugural test of quantum encryption technology within a commercial network, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to secure communications infrastructure. The demonstration is part of a broader initiative under the EU’s EuroQCI project, which aspires to establish a quantum-secure network across Europe by the end of the decade.
VTT, in collaboration with CSC – IT Centre for Science, Cinia Oy, and Suomen Erillisverkot Oy, leads the NaQCI.fi project. Telia’s recent test in Helsinki is the first phase of building a public quantum secure network. Senior Scientist Kari Seppänen from VTT highlighted the importance of this demo in assessing the integration of advanced encryption technology within an operator’s infrastructure.
"Telia’s demo is a significant step towards building a quantum secure network for Finland and its wider utilisation in businesses and organisations," said Seppänen.
— Kari Seppänen, Senior Scientist, VTT
Unlike conventional methods, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses quantum mechanics to enable ultra-secure communication. Telia leveraged its data center’s audited network environment for the trial. The test demonstrated that quantum encryption could effectively operate outside laboratory settings, offering practical insights into its deployment across real-world systems.
"As an operator, it is important for us to participate in a project that serves both Finland’s national security needs and the business need to protect critical data," said Tero Maaniemi, Lead Architect of Telia’s network infrastructure.
— Tero Maaniemi, Lead Architect, Telia
Quantum-secure networks are critical for preemptively countering the potential of future quantum computers to breach current cryptographic systems. Finland is also exploring Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions to bolster its data security further. Together, QKD and PQC offer a dual-layered defense for safeguarding sensitive communications.
