Retelit, Telebit, and ThinkQuantum Trial Quantum Key Distribution for Fiber Optic Communications

Insider Brief:

• Retelit, Telebit, and ThinkQuantum successfully tested Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a single optical fiber, demonstrating its ability to secure data transmission without requiring additional dedicated channels.

• The trial combined Retelit’s fiber-optic infrastructure, ThinkQuantum’s quantum devices developed with the University of Padua, and Telebit’s system integration expertise, proving QKD’s scalability, cost-effectiveness, and interference-free performance.

• QKD ensures unbreakable encryption by detecting any interception attempts, making it a viable solution for sectors handling sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government.

PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, Italy’s B2B telecommunications provider, Retelit, in collaboration with Telebit, a specialized systems integrator, and ThinkQuantum, a University of Padua spin-off, has announced the completion of a trial using quantum key distribution to secure data transmitted over fiber optic cables. According to the release, this trial is a notable example of advancing quantum-safe encryption, addressing the growing risk of cyberattacks powered by quantum computing.

The trial demonstrated QKD’s ability to provide unbreakable encryption by tapping into the principles of quantum mechanics. Unlike traditional encryption methods that rely on mathematical complexity, QKD detects any interception attempts and interrupts communication, preventing data theft. Notably, the experiment proved that QKD can be implemented on a single optical fiber—without requiring additional dedicated channels—which is a testament to scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Safeguarding Sensitive Data

As organizations increasingly adopt generative AI (Gen AI) technologies, the risk of cyber threats rises. According to the release, a recent Ponemon Institute report revealed that the average cost of a data breach in Italy reached €4.37 million (approximately $4.59 million) in 2024, speaking to the growing urgency for advanced security solutions. With quantum computers often speculated one day decrypt classical encryption swiftly, sectors handling sensitive data—such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government—may face significant future risks.

“From our privileged observatory, as enablers of services and new generation solutions through our network and data center infrastructures, we are witnessing the rapid diffusion of AI and GenAI and the development of new quantum technologies necessary to meet the computational capacity required for their use. This transformation, on the other hand, highlights the urgency and the need to equip companies and in general all organizations that handle data and information with adequate security systems in line with new technologies,” said Ruggero Slongo, Chief Operating Officer of Retelit.

Inside the QKD Trial: Securing Data Over Fiber Optics

The trial took place between two points of presence in Treviso and Venice Mestre, using Retelit’s fiber-optic network infrastructure. ThinkQuantum provided quantum devices developed in collaboration with the QTech experimental center at the University of Padua. These devices were tested in university laboratories before deployment. Telebit ensured seamless integration, connecting the optical fiber and quantum devices.

In a single optical fiber, two distinct channels operated simultaneously: a data transmission channel supporting services like connectivity and VoIP, and a quantum channel carrying QKD. According to the release, the two channels ran without interference, as they utilize different frequencies—a key achievement in demonstrating QKD’s practicality for large-scale applications.

“The choice to invest in the development and integration of quantum communication technologies arises from the growing need to guarantee the protection of communications against emerging threats, including the risks deriving from the future developments of quantum computing. Quantum technologies are revolutionizing the global telecommunications landscape, and as Telebit we recognize the importance of being pioneers in this sector, to offer our customers solutions that meet the highest standards of security and innovation. This experiment confirms our commitment to exploring frontier technologies and to collaborating with academic and industrial partners to build resilient infrastructures, ready to support the communication needs of the future. We firmly believe that the integration of quantum technologies, such as QKD, represents a fundamental opportunity to strengthen today’s critical networks and to design those of tomorrow.” said Germano Quarta, CTO of Telebit.

Preparing for a Quantum Future

As quantum computers advance, organizations must act now to transition to quantum-safe encryption methods like QKD. Experts warn of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where hackers collect encrypted data today with plans to decrypt it once quantum computers become powerful enough.

“In this phase of rapid evolution and in the current critical context for cybersecurity, it is important that leading operators and system integrators in the TLC world such as Retelit and Telebit have grasped the urgency of including commercially mature quantum solutions among their offerings,” said Simone Capeleto, CEO of ThinkQuantum.

The success of the trial highlights QKD’s dual benefits: it ensures the highest levels of security while remaining cost-effective and accessible. By leveraging existing optical fibers, QKD eliminates the need for additional infrastructure, making it feasible for widespread adoption.

“Together with Telebit and ThinkQuantum, we have achieved a very important result that I believe will revolutionize the way we communicate, making it hack-proof and at the same time accessible thanks to the optimization of the resources used,” Slongo stated.

With organizations under increasing pressure to safeguard critical data, this collaboration between Retelit, Telebit, and ThinkQuantum serves as a model for future-proofing communication networks against quantum-enabled cyber threats.

“This is only the beginning of a path that aims to spread awareness of the new threats and the skills in innovative areas such as quantum communications among industry professionals,” Capeleto added.