TELUS and Photonic join forces to advance quantum internet
The Canadian communications company will offer the quantum computing start-up access to its PureFibre network to test and accelerate the commercialisation of quantum solutions and to prepare for a quantum-secure future
TELUS and Photonic Inc. have announced that they are collaborating to accelerate the development of next-generation quantum communications in Canada. TELUS will provide Photonic dedicated access to its advanced fibre-optic network, aiming to enable the testing of ground-breaking quantum technologies and emerging solutions that could reshape Canada’s digital landscape, improve productivity and drive economic growth.
Over the past several years, quantum technology has moved beyond academic research and is now entering the commercial realm. The two companies say their collaboration provides a path for industries such as finance, security, and logistics to prepare for a quantum-secure future. With TELUS’ infrastructure enabling the testing of real-world applications, Photonic aims to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum technologies, set to reshape how industries approach computing and secure communication, both in Canada and worldwide.
As part of this collaboration, TELUS is providing Photonic access to a 30-km dedicated fibre network in British Columbia – which the company says is configured to test increasingly complex quantum networking that leverages quantum encryption for ultra-secure, tamper-evident transfer of information over long distances. According to Photonic, this infrastructure will enable it to advance critical capabilities in quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum key distribution (using quantum signals to create secure encryption) – crucial technologies for the future of digital security and innovation.
The companies say this effort marks a major milestone for them both as they work to lay the foundation for a quantum internet. The dedicated fibre network is connected to TELUS’ national infrastructure, which it says offers potential for broader, nationwide testing and marking the first time a Canadian start-up has been granted access to a major telecom operator’s network for the purpose of developing quantum communication capabilities. Photonic says this announcement follows milestones it has recently achieved, including a successful demonstration of entanglement distribution between independent systems in a commercial setting, an essential component of scaling quantum networks.
“This collaboration with TELUS allows us to move from the lab into real-world applications, showcasing the compatibility of our technology with existing infrastructure,” said Stephanie Simmons, founder and chief quantum officer at Photonic. “It marks a significant step forward in building the foundation for a quantum-ready future that will revolutionise computing and digital communication across Canada and beyond.”
Nazim Benhadid, chief technology officer at TELUS, said: “At TELUS we believe quantum computing is the next frontier in digital communications and I’m excited to see breakthroughs and innovations from Photonic. This collaboration is part of our broader commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies that will support a secure and connected future in Canada. By building the quantum infrastructure today, we are helping unlock economic potential and empower industries to innovate and compete globally.”
Quantum technology holds the potential to solve some of the world’s most complex computation problems, ranging from materials development to climate-friendly catalyst development. However, it also presents new challenges, including the ability to break existing encryption methods within the next decade. This collaboration between TELUS and Photonic aims to position Canada as a global leader in the quantum race, ensuring everyday Canadians and businesses are prepared for a quantum-secure future.
