Systemic Breakthroughs in Quantum Technology Enabled China to Make Historic Leap from Being a Follower to Becoming a Leader

(LightReadingAsia) China has elbowed its way to the front of the pack in another key technology – quantum communications. It achieved a major breakthrough early this year with the world’s first satellite-to-earth quantum communication network.
A University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) team carried out multi-user quantum key distribution, creating an uncrackable connection across 4,600 kilometers.
China Telecom, the designated quantum telco partner, has some big ambitions of its own. In September 2021, it announced a joint ventureQuantum CTek, a USTC spinoff, to carry out R&D into quantum technology and develop it commercially. The partners said they aimed to integrate quantum communications with other technologies such as 5G, big data and cloud.
In January China Telecom announced a secure quantum phone service using a dedicated SIM and 5G app, available for users in Anhui province.
Now the operator says it will also sell a quantum-based IoT security product and a secure quantum cloud product. Like the encrypted phone service, details are scarce and appear to be pilot schemes only.
Next, USTC researchers say they plan to build out a low-orbit quantum satellite fleet that can perform quantum key distribution globally. The first satellite will likely be launched next year. China Telecom is also building a quantum metropolitan area network in Hefei city, where USTC is located, to provide secure communications for government departments.
“China’s systemic breakthroughs in the field of quantum technology have enabled the country to make a historic leap from being a follower to becoming one of the leaders,” said Pan.