The future of telecommunications in the era of quantum computing

Quantum computing is one of the most fascinating innovations of the digital age and is already beginning to influence the world of telecommunications. This technology is not only about processing data faster, but also about building networks that are more secure, more efficient and capable of intelligently adapting to future needs.

At the event “Quantum in Piedmont: new synergies between research and business", organised by the Unione Industriali di Torino, Annachiara Pagano, Project Manager of Network Engineering at FiberCop, described how the company is exploring the potential of quantum technologies applied to networks, and how these could transform the way we communicate.

One of the key issues is security. Quantum computers, once fully operational on a large scale, will be able to break many of today’s cryptographic systems. For this reason, research is developing new solutions such as Quantum Key Distribution – a technology that exploits the laws of physics, in particular quantum mechanics, to make communication virtually unbreakable. FiberCop is closely following several European Horizon projects working in this field, contributing to the development of the next generation of secure network infrastructure.

Quantum computing also offers new opportunities to improve network performance and management. Through Quantum Network Digital Twins – digital replicas of physical quantum networks – it becomes possible to simulate scenarios, predict anomalies and optimise processes, enhancing both efficiency and energy consumption. This approach, already adopted by FiberCop in its innovation programmes, marks an important step towards networks capable of self-configuration and rapid response to change.

The potential of quantum technologies extends beyond security and simulation. Their integration with artificial intelligence is paving the way for Quantum Machine Learning, which in the future will support increasingly precise decision-making in infrastructure management and data traffic distribution.

Through its expertise and collaboration with universities and industrial partners, FiberCop is helping to build the path towards the distributed quantum networks of the future – infrastructure combining the robustness of today’s networks with the intelligence and computational power of tomorrow, to the benefit of citizens, businesses and the country’s entire digital ecosystem.