Quantum communication network goal of new European consortium
NewsJune 01, 2021
EUROPE. The European Commission has selected a consortium of companies and research institutes to study the design of the future European quantum communication network, EuroQCI (quantum communication infrastructure). It will aim to enable ultra-secure communication between critical infrastructures and government institutions across the European Union.
The European consortium led by Airbus is composed of Leonardo, Orange, PwC France and Maghreb, Telespazio (a Leonardo and Thales 67/33 joint venture), the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), and the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM).
The EuroQCI will aim to integrate quantum technologies and systems into terrestrial fiber-optic communication networks and will include a space-based segment in hopes of ensuring full coverage across the EU and other continents.
Officials claim that consortium is intended to secure Europe’s encryption systems and critical infrastructures such as government institutions, air traffic control, healthcare facilities, banks, and power grids against current and future cyber threats.
Also according to officials, the long-term plan is for the EuroQCI to become the basis of a quantum internet in Europe, connecting quantum computers, simulators, and sensors via quantum networks to distribute information and resources with a state of the art security method.
