Colt completes world-first transatlantic quantum-safe encryption trial
Published by Colt Technology Services on January 14, 2026
Successful trial marks a major step toward quantum-safe networking
Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, has completed a world-first transatlantic trial which tested the safety of data traffic against quantum computing threats. Colt successfully transmitted data at 100GbE across its terrestrial and transatlantic subsea networks using quantum‑safe encryption, powered by Nokia’s and Adtran’s solutions*.
The trial is the latest in a series of pilots Colt has delivered with global partners to explore new ways of protecting traffic travelling across its optical network from quantum threats. It marks a breakthrough in strengthening security on the busiest subsea corridor for global internet traffic, which supports AI workloads, streaming and enterprise cloud services between Europe and the US. The Grace Hopper cable – a critical part of the infrastructure used within this trial – adds 352 Tbps of capacity to this critical route, reinforcing its role as a backbone for global connectivity.
Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services, said: “Protecting data in transit from quantum threats is one of the most critical challenges businesses will face. This trial demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering secure, future-ready connectivity that powers the global economy and keeps our customers one step ahead in the quantum era.”
Later in 2026, Colt will offer quantum-resilient services including solutions based on Pre-Shared Key (PSK), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and hybrid models across terrestrial and subsea networks. The solutions are ideal for:
- Businesses seeking resilient, secure, future-ready global connectivity
- Strategic technology partners and alliances exploring quantum-safe integration
- Financial institutions and health care providers requiring robust protection for sensitive data in transit
- Government and defence sectors prioritising national security and compliance
- Industry innovators and developers working on quantum-safe applications and services
This achievement builds on Colt’s previous quantum-safe pilots, including a trial on its optical wave network in April 2025 with partners including Nokia and Adtran, and upcoming developments around space-based quantum cryptography. By extending quantum security from land and space to subsea routes, Colt is reinforcing its commitment to end-to-end quantum-resilient connectivity across its global footprint.
*Notes to editors
Colt is the first telecoms provider to successfully achieve secure data transmission at 100GbE optical wave across its terrestrial and subsea transatlantic infrastructure, using Nokia’s advanced Pre-Shared Key (PSK) technology and Adtran’s ML-KEM Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions.
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