Colt Technology Services (Colt) has completed a world-first transatlantic trial that evaluated the security of data traffic against the threats of quantum computing. Colt managed to transmit data at 100GbE across its transatlantic terrestrial and underwater networks, using secure encryption against quantum computing, powered by solutions from Nokia and Adtran.
This trial is the latest in a series of pilot projects developed by Colt with global partners to explore new ways to protect traffic that circulates through its optical network against quantum threats. It represents a decisive step forward in strengthening the security of the world’s busiest underwater corridor for global internet traffic, supporting AI workloads, streaming and enterprise cloud services between Europe and the United States. The Grace Hopper cable, a critical part of the infrastructure used in this trial, adds 352 Tbps of capacity to this critical path, reinforcing its role as the backbone of global connectivity.
Buddy Bayer, COO of Colt Technology Services, explained that: «Protecting data in transit from quantum threats is one of the most critical challenges that companies will face. “This trial demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering secure, future-proof connectivity, driving the global economy and helping our customers get ahead of the quantum era.”.
Throughout 2026, Colt will offer services resilient to quantum computing, including solutions based on pre-shared keys (PSK), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), quantum key distribution (QKD) and hybrid models, both in terrestrial and underwater networks. These solutions are ideal for:
- Companies looking for solid, secure and future-proof global connectivity.
- Strategic technology partners and alliances that explore the integration of secure solutions against quantum computing.
- Financial institutions and healthcare providers requiring stable protection of sensitive data in transit.
- Developers and innovators in the sector who work on secure applications and services in the face of quantum computing.
- Government and defense sectors that prioritize national security and regulatory compliance.
This trial builds on Colt’s previous pilot projects in the area of quantum security, including a trial conducted on its optical wave network in April 2025 with partners such as Nokia and Adtran, as well as Future developments in quantum cryptography based on space. By extending quantum security from land and space to undersea routes, Colt promises to reinforce its commitment to end-to-end quantum computing resilient connectivity across its global network.
