Access to quantum secure communications made easier for businesses in UK first data centre to data centre connection

• Collaboration between BT Group, Toshiba and Equinix opens access to quantum-secure networks between data centres
• Equinix facilities in London’s Canary Wharf and Slough will be connected by a high bandwidth quantum-secure network to secure data services
• This UK first will provide businesses that use Equinix facilities with the opportunity to protect their data against future sophisticated quantum attacks.

BT Group, Equinix and Toshiba today announced they will provide quantum secure connectivity at two prime colocation Equinix data centres located in London’s Canary Wharf and Slough. Customers using the Equinix data centres (which can provide equipment, space and bandwidth to multiple organisations securely co-located in the same data centre) will be able to connect to BT Group and Toshiba’s quantum-secured metro network and trial the transmission of data, protected using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

This UK first for dedicated quantum secure connectivity services between data centres, will provide multi-user access. Located in the heart of London’s financial services district and an area densely populated by businesses, the two sites provide ideal points for a wide range of organisations to trial “quantum keys-as-a-service” and marks a significant step towards making quantum secured communications more accessible.

With global investment accelerating the development of Quantum computers, there is an increased risk to current encryption techniques. Quantum computing has the potential to be able to crack the mathematics that underpins much of the current cryptography that is used to secure networks. Data which requires long term security could be at risk of ‘store today, crack later attacks’ when sufficiently powerful quantum computers are available. QKD-based security is unique because the key-exchange is secure against any computational or mathematical advance.

Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group said: “Our partnership with Toshiba has already seen us build the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum-secured metro network in London and today marks an important milestone in our journey towards accelerating the commercialisation of quantum-secure connectivity. With quantum technologies moving at an incredible speed, we continue to explore and test the practical technologies emerging from this highly innovative field to secure the UK’s digital infrastructure against future quantum threats”.

Bruce Owen, Managing Director UK at Equinix said: “Equinix is committed to making investments in futureproof secure connectivity and hosting, for our customers today and well into the future. We understand just how complex today’s digital challenges can be, which is why we are pioneering the democratisation of quantum secure communications, making it accessible as a service to thousands of businesses worldwide. This collaboration with BT Group and Toshiba is a welcome opportunity to enhance our customers’ access to innovation that will build resiliency in the quantum computing era.”

Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Officer and Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation, and Vice President of ICT Solutions Division at Toshiba Digital Solutions, said: “Our collaboration with BT Group and Equinix is a critical next step on our shared journey to commercialise QKD services in the UK, bringing quantum-secure communications to more organisations. We are focused on ensuring all businesses are provided with the opportunity to protect their data from retrospective attacks with a quantum computer. Together we are building the ultra-secure networks that will be the bedrock for the future quantum internet.”

About Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation leads a global group of companies that combines knowledge and capabilities from almost 150 years of experience in a wide range of businesses—from energy and social infrastructure to electronic devices—with world-class capabilities in information processing, digital and AI technologies. These distinctive strengths support Toshiba in building infrastructure that everyone can enjoy, and a connected data society, and in achieving the Company’s ultimate goal, a future that realizes carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Guided by the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” Toshiba contributes to society’s positive development with services and solutions that lead to a better world. The Group and its 105,000 employees worldwide secured annual sales of 3.3 trillion yen in fiscal year 2023. For more information, follow Toshiba Corporation on LinkedIn.

About Equinix

Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX) is the world’s digital infrastructure company™. Digital leaders harness Equinix’s trusted platform to bring together and interconnect foundational infrastructure at software speed. Equinix enables organizations to access all the right places, partners and possibilities to scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value, while supporting their sustainability goals.

About BT Group

BT Group is the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services. We also provide managed telecommunications, security and network & IT infrastructure services to customers across 180 countries.

BT Group consists of three customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK and internationally; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers - over 700 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/about