BT Group, Equinix and Toshiba have announced that 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).
Located in the heart of London’s financial services district and an area densely populated by businesses, the two sites will allow organisations to trial “quantum keys-as-a-service” and marks a significant step towards making quantum secured communications more accessible.
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 businesses 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.”