BT has partnered with several UK start-ups to host the world's first trial of end-to-end quantum secure communications for 5G and connected cars. While classical computer architectures store information in binary bits (1 or 0), quantum computing makes use of the ability of subatomic particles to exist in multiple states at the same time. This means that Quantum computers can store much more information and solve problems much faster.
5G quantum security
Quantum computing has huge implications for the financial, military, and healthcare industries, among others, as it can speed up research projects. And while some fear that this increase in computing power will make most encryption measures obsolete, it also opens the door for even more powerful security measures thanks to quantum cryptography. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a supposedly "non-hackable" technique for sharing encryption keys between locations using a single stream of photons. This ``AIRQKD'' trial combines BT's expertise in QKD with other quantum-enhanced security chips in mobile devices to create an ultra-secure link between 5G cell sites and mobile devices and connected cars. Other test partners include Nu-Quantum, Angoka and Duality The tests will take place over the next 36 months with funding of €7.7 million provided by the Quantum Technologies Challenge, led by UK Research and Innovation and the project is expected to reinforce the UK's ambitions to be a leader in the field. "The UK has firmly established itself as a world leader in quantum network security," said Professor Andrew Lord, BT's director of optical networking research. “With the AIRQKD trial, we are delighted to take it to the next level and combine various quantum technologies from innovative UK start-ups to create the world's most secure fixed-mobile communications link. Connected cars are just one of the potential range of applications that will benefit from this ultra-secure connectivity in the future. "The UK government has expressed a desire to be at the forefront of the field, believing that it can play a vital role in the connected economy and accelerate industrial deployments of the Internet of Things (IIoT). A National Center for Quantum Computing (NQCC) is set to open in 2022 as part of the €1 billion national program for quantum technologies.BT itself has built a 125km commercial-grade test network between its Adastral Park research and development facility in Suffolk and the University of Cambridge and links to the UK Quantum Network (UKQN) - collaboration between industry and academia.