Lumen funds Ohio State quantum network research and adds post-quantum encryption

[Alice63]

Telecoms company Lumen is preparing its network for the quantum era in two ways. The Quantum Insider reports that Lumen is funding research at Ohio State University into long distance quantum networking and distributed quantum sensing, using Lumen's existing optical fibre

The work builds on existing federal and state funding. One part looks at optical technologies that could link quantum systems in different places, which is difficult because quantum information cannot be copied or amplified by conventional network equipment. The other part explores using quantum sensors for geophysical monitoring and to spot conditions that could affect the network

Separately, Lumen will add Fortinet's post-quantum cryptography features to its secure access service, known as SASE, to tackle harvest now, decrypt later risks. Initial availability is targeted for November 2026, with general availability planned for January 2027

Lumen is also exploring a pilot with Emerald AI to route AI workloads to sites with spare power capacity. Lumen chief executive Kate Johnson and chief technology and product officer Jim Fowler both spoke about the plans, alongside Emerald AI founder Varun Sivaram. No funding amount or research results were disclosed

Testing quantum networking on real deployed fibre is far more useful than lab experiments alone, because real networks are messy. Adding post-quantum encryption to a commercial security product is a practical step customers can use now. Telecom operators will be central to any future quantum internet

Will telecom companies build the first quantum networks? And how soon should businesses switch on post-quantum encryption?

Lumen Announces AI Networking, Quantum Research and PQC Plansthequantuminsider.com