Quantum data successfully teleported over city fibre network

Photonic and TELUS just teleported quantum information across 19 miles of a live commercial fibre network.

Not in a lab.

Not on special test cable.

On the same kind of fibre that already carries internet traffic every day.

They sent quantum data through TELUS’ existing PureFibre network and delivered it into a remote machine that can actually store and work with it. In earlier tests around the world, scientists could send quantum signals, but they could not hold onto them long enough to do much useful work.

This time, the data arrived and was stored inside a processor built to handle quantum information.

That moves this from science fair demo to early stage infrastructure. The White House also prepares an executive order on US quantum policy.

The disruption behind the news: They did not build a new network, but used the fibre that is already installed in the ground.

That changes the math.

If quantum signals can travel on the same lines that bring you Netflix and Zoom calls, then telecom companies do not need to rip up streets to build a new system.

They can upgrade what they already have.

That makes this faster and cheaper to roll out.

The test covered 19 miles. That is about the width of many cities. If they can stretch this to 60 miles and beyond, it starts to cover entire metro areas. Push it further and you connect cities. That is when this becomes a national security and business story, not just a science headline.

Why would anyone care?

Security.

Today’s encryption protects your bank account, your health records, and government secrets. But powerful quantum computers could one day break much of that encryption. Some experts think that risk shows up within the next 10 years. If telecom networks can offer quantum secure connections that are protected by the laws of physics, not just math, that becomes a premium service.

Imagine large banks, hospitals, and government agencies paying extra each month for links that are built to survive the quantum era. TELUS has around 3 million fibre connections. If even a small slice of big customers upgrade to quantum secure lines at $1,000 per month, that is tens of millions in new yearly revenue from a niche product.

This also changes who controls the future of computing. Big tech companies want to link quantum computers together across cities. If telecom providers own those links, they become central players in the next wave of cloud computing. They stop being just internet providers and become part of the quantum backbone. Quantum is developing fast, that is why Bitcoin makes efforts to fight against quantum threats.

What to watch next

First, distance.

Can they go from 19 miles to 60 miles and then much farther without crazy new hardware?

Second, reliability.

Quantum systems are fragile. If they cannot keep errors low in the messy real world, this stays a lab trick.

Third, real customers.

Watch for government contracts and pilot programs with banks or defense groups. That is when this turns into serious money.

Do not get distracted by the word teleportation. One of the 7 hidden risks of investing in disruption is betting on yesterday’s disruptors. This is about who controls the next generation of secure networks. If today’s fibre can carry tomorrow’s quantum traffic, the upgrade race has already started. And once governments lock in suppliers, those positions will be very hard to shake.