Quantum technologies: the next frontier of communications
Picture a world where researchers can quickly model complex molecules to speed up drug discovery. Or where analyzing massive amounts of climate data makes weather forecasts more accurate and helps us better predict extreme events. Now, imagine if your phone carrier could guarantee that your personal data stays completely private. That’s the promise of quantum technologies.
Right now, our everyday computers rely on bits, binary units of information that are either a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1 or both at the same time, a phenomenon known as superposition. Even more remarkable, qubits can be linked through a process called entanglement, meaning they’re connected and influence each other no matter how far apart they are.
In practical terms, where a conventional computer tackles one calculation at a time, a quantum computer can handle many simultaneously. This transforms the speed of information processing and allows for near-instantaneous communication. By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum technologies as a complement to traditional computing could reshape the way we process and exchange information.
Bruno Zerbib, Aliette Mousnier-Lompré and Hugues Foulon share their take on quantum technologies
How can we secure future communications? ?
As promising as quantum technology is, it also raises new risks, especially around cybersecurity. Right now, our online conversations, banking transactions, and data exchanges are protected by encryption methods built on complex mathematical calculations. Even in the wrong hands, they would take today’s computers thousands of years to solve. Quantum computers, however, could crack these protections in a matter of minutes, potentially making current encryption techniques obsolete as early as 2030-2035.
This deadline, often referred to as “Y2Q” (Years to Quantum), is the benchmark guiding the adaptation strategies of businesses and governments in response to the quantum threat.
Some cybercriminals are already preparing for this future. A strategy known as “Store Now, decrypt later” or “Harvest now, decrypt later” involves stealing encrypted data today in hopes of decoding it in the future when quantum computers arrive. That means sensitive personal data and confidential business information could be at risk down the line.
To stay ahead, new solutions are being developed to protect against these future threats. These include post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which are encryption algorithms designed to resist attacks from quantum computers, and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which uses the laws of quantum physics to create ultra-secure encryption keys. While QKD wasn’t originally designed with the quantum threat in mind, it’s quickly becoming an essential tool for any organization that wants to future-proof its network resilience.
How is Orange preparing for the quantum era?
Recognizing the scale of these challenges early on, Orange began investing in quantum technologies in 2017, focusing first on QKD and later on post-quantum cryptography. We’ve teamed up with top researchers including a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and became the first telecom operator in France to test quantum key distribution over a live fiber optic network in the Paris region.
We’re also an active partner in several ambitious European and national initiatives, including EuroQCI, FranceQCI and Prometheus. These projects allow us to trial new quantum systems in real-world conditions, learn valuable lessons, and get ready to roll them out across our networks.
What’s next?
Our goal is to develop new tools and services that harness the unique capabilities of quantum communication networks, while helping our customers get ready for this next chapter in tech.
That means gradually updating our cybersecurity solutions and offering guidance and support as the technology evolves. At the same time, we’re doubling down on our research efforts, because quantum technology is just getting started and there’s so much more to discover.
Key takeaways
