CTM and Huawei Launch Integrated QKD Network in Macao

Insider Brief

• CTM and Huawei have launched what they describe as the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target IP network to strengthen quantum-secured communications in Macao and the Greater Bay Area.

• The network integrates quantum and conventional communication channels into a single network architecture for protecting sensitive government, financial and critical infrastructure services.

• CTM plans to develop quantum-secured private lines for enterprise and government customers, while the two companies aim to expand quantum security applications across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

PRESS RELEASE — To counter the emerging network security challenges posed by quantum computing, CTM has actively embraced the national quantum strategy. It is designing a quantum-secured framework to build an integrated QKD-communication network security foundation, further enhancing the end-to-end transmission security of critical data. In addition, CTM plans to roll out quantum-secured private lines for enterprise and government sectors to unlock new growth opportunities while supporting Digital Macao and fortifying digital security across the Greater Bay Area. CTM and Huawei are pioneering the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target IP network, driving the development of the quantum industry chain throughout the region.

The rapid advancement of quantum computing is driving a disruptive shift in the global network security landscape. Encrypted data that would take traditional computers trillions of years to crack can now be breached in just minutes using quantum computing. This poses an unprecedented, seismic challenge to the security defenses of critical digital assets and sensitive data. To strengthen China’s digital security defenses, the 15th Five-Year Plan Outline has designated quantum technology as a strategic future industry.

CTM and Huawei have jointly launched the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target network. Innovative QKD-communication integration combines the quantum, negotiation, and communication channels into one, while seamlessly integrating communication and quantum networks into a single network to create a next-generation communication network foundation with quantum security. The network will serve as a shield against quantum computing threats for core and sensitive services such as government office, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure, ensuring end-to-end secure transmission of critical services.

Mr. Poon Fuk Hei, CEO of CTM, stated that as a core enabler of Macao’s digital and intelligent transformation and a trusted guardian of its communication security, CTM has long been dedicated to building and strengthening local communication networks. It has been a key driver behind the evolution and real-world deployment of the network foundation powering Digital and Intelligent Macao. He added that, aligning with national strategic goals and Macao’s regional digital security needs, CTM has proactively deployed a local quantum-secured network foundation, fully accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge quantum security technologies in Macao.

Leon Wang, President of Huawei ‘s Data Communication Product Line, stressed that security and resilience is one of the three defining characteristics of IP bearer networks. He noted that in the realm of quantum security—a crucial subset of security and resilience—Huawei has maintained continuous investment and innovation across hardware, software, algorithms, and more. For example, Huawei pioneered the industry’s first router with built-in QKD. This innovation helps operators to reduce TCO by over 60%. This empowers CTM to build a quantum-secured network foundation featuring QKD-communication integration, providing robust security assurance for the digital transformation and core data transmission of government and enterprise customers.

Looking ahead, CTM and Huawei will continue to deepen their strategic partnership in industrial development and technological innovation, designing products specifically for quantum-secured private lines while accelerating their deployment on live networks. Meanwhile, leveraging Macao’s unique geographical advantages and technical expertise, the two companies aim to drive collaborative development, technological innovation, and practical applications of the quantum security industry within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, ultimately safeguarding the high-quality development of the region’s digital economy.

Readers looking to learn more about Quantum Networking might find Understanding Quantum Networking and Its Industrial Potential worth reading.