Quantum for converging telecoms technologies: Will we be ready?

March 3, 2026

Laureen R. Cook, CEO & Executive Adviser, Extelcon Consulting; GTWN Co-Founder and International Board Member

Quantum technology

Quantum Computing for Converging Telecoms Technologies is the application of quantum‑mechanical computation that is used to optimize, secure, and align complex, multi-domains across various sectors of communication networks such as mobile, fiber, satellite, subsea fiber, towers, and data centers. This technology enables increased security, network performance, data analytics, and automation capabilities beyond today’s classic computing capabilities. Quantum for telecoms is estimated to become mainstream technology in various phases between 2030 – 2038.

Quantum Computing is based on three components: qubits, superposition, and entanglement to optimize alternative outcomes. Qubits are digits of quantum units 0,1 or 1,0 that allow quantum computers to cypher multiple possibilities of data simultaneously. Superposition is a quantum property that allows a qubit to occupy multiple states at once, such as 0, 1 or 1, 0 or a combination of both. This vastly expands the computational possibilities and is one of the core reasons quantum computers can outperform today’s classic systems for specified tasks. Entanglement is when two or more qubits become correlated in such a way that the state of one influences the state of another, even across large distances, enabling powerful capabilities such as ultra‑secure communications via highly correlated quantum computations. These correlated computations are used to optimize, secure, and manage increasingly complex, cloud‑distributed communication networks across converging telecom technologies.

As telecom networks converge into unified digital infrastructure, quantum computing becomes a cross-sector tool for Network Optimization which includes routing, paging, traffic engineering, spectrum allocation, AI/ML acceleration for the RAN, the core network, and edge segments of the network. Quantum safe security architectures such as PQC and QKD are used in quantum optimization across multi‑cloud, edge, distributed data centers, and in managing 5G/6G networks as they become increasingly more distributed and computing intensive. Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is a new generation of software-based cryptographic algorithms, primarily public‑key algorithms, designed to remain secure against adversaries equipped with large‑scale quantum computers. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses quantum states of light, typically individual photons, to establish shared cryptographic keys whose security is guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics, making any eavesdropping attempt inherently detectable. Quantum computers will co‑process hybrid workloads alongside today’s data centers and edge clouds, enabling solutions that today’s classic computing cannot achieve.

The way forward

Quantum computing offers three primary network opportunities for improvement across all telecom network sectors related to Network Optimization, Quantum Safe Security, and Quantum Enhanced Analytics, making the investment in Quantum today a necessity for the next decades to come with the advent of 5G/6G and beyond, Leo/Nano Satellites, Aeronautics, Manufacturing, Robotics and new Industrial and Government use cases for the automotive, financial, and defense sectors. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when Telecoms Operators are facing a slowdown in revenue growth globally. Industry revenues are projected to rise from 2023 to 2028 by US$1.3T or a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of only 2.9%, which is below the projected rate of inflation in many major markets. ¹

Global Capex requirements for the advancement of Quantum are anticipated to be in the order of $380B to $615B between 2025 – 2038, not including traditional data center development.² Funding will come from traditional industry sources from Network Operators & Equipment Manufacturers, and through Private Equity, the Banking Community with Commercial Debt as well as Private Debt sources. Additionally, funding will need to come from the Public Sector with governments sponsoring technology research, co-investing in technology companies through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and by incentivizing the greater quantum ecosystem with tax and other incentives. 

Proof of Concept QKD and quantum optimization projects which commenced in 2023 are expected to continue through 2026, while Hybrid integration of PQC standards may be embedded in network software to assess the efficiency of quantum-enhanced AI models from 2026 – 2030. From 2030 -2038 it is envisioned that quantum native infrastructure nodes could be developed and integrated into telecom networks for optimization and defense.

Regulatory requirements

Regulators, Corporations, Academia, Private Equity, the Banking sector, and the greater Converged Telecoms Ecosystem must ensure that Quantum adoption is secure, interoperable, equitable and aligned for the betterment of public interests. As Quantum computing threatens today’s cryptographic security embedded in mobile networks, fiber backbones, satellite links and data centers, these current telecoms networks will all eventually be vulnerable to quantum attacks.

Regulatory Objectives should include the protection of national communications infrastructure and ensure interoperability and the global harmonization of standards with ITU-T, ETSI, NIST and other Regional Standards Bodies. Fair Competition needs to be encouraged with open interfaces, transparent and international certification processes, and the development of multi-vendor ecosystems. Data Privacy and Human Rights must be factored into the regulatory framework so that quantum safe systems enhance and protect the Human Rights of global citizens and are not used for state surveillance or illegal persecution.

As we have already experienced the Digital Divide with the rollout of Mobile technologies 2G/3G/4G/5G, as an industry we need to learn from our past experiences, which have profoundly impacted the GDP of Nations and the health, safety, education, eCommerce, and financial independence of citizens in developing countries. It is therefore critical that we support equitable global access to Quantum computing at its earliest stages of development in order to avoid a second “Quantum Divide” between wealthy nations and network operators and their impact on certain populations based on a country’s GDP.

Quantum for mobile

For 5G Mobile networks we can foresee Quantum algorithms being implemented for RAN optimization, addressing issues such as antenna tilt, beamforming, spectrum allocation, and network optimization. Quantum Machine Learning (ML) will improve predictive maintenance due to advanced anomaly detection and traffic forecasting. It is anticipated that 6G will be quantum safe with PDQ and QKD security embedded architecture. Global Capex spend for Mobile is anticipated to be $20 – $20B from 2025 -2030 for PDC migration, QKD for mobile backhaul $10 – 15B from 2028-2035, and Quantum optimizing platforms for RAN $5 – $8B from 2026 – 2032.³

There are added layers of complexity in hybrid quantum-classic workflows requiring the orchestration of new network layers for integration. Additionally, there is a shortage of technical talent required to develop these complex algorithms. Most critically, while quantum will provide sovereign-grade defined levels of network security, it will also allow for current mobile encryption and security on existing networks to become compromised. It is therefore imperative that funding for quantum be accelerated in order to prevent nefarious actors from compromising existing 5G mobile networks, fiber backbones, satellite links, and data centers, during the transition period to quantum safe networks.

Quantum for terrestrial fiber

As thousands of QKD nodes are required for national networks, there are significantly increased costs associated with quantum deployment. This, coupled with the lack of vendor standardization of QKD, makes ubiquitous system scalability difficult at the present time. QKD node deployment is estimated to cost $40 -$60B in Capex globally from 2025 – 2035, PDQ global costs are estimated at $10B – $15B from 2025 – 2030, and Quantum enhanced optical amplifiers/receivers are estimated at $5B – $10B globally between 2028 – 2035.⁴

For Terrestrial Fiber Networks, Vodafone is currently testing with photonic quantum processors, utilizing light for ultra secure key exchanges. QKD over Fiber has already been deployed in China & South Korea and is part of the EU’s Euro QCI initiative.

Quantum for subsea fiber

Quantum enhanced repeaters allow for lower bit error rates over a longer range of deployment spans. QKD enabled subsea systems will provide ultra secure intercontinental links to governments, financial institutions, and large corporations. This level of security will be complex and come at ahigh cost as repeaters may require cryogenics if they rely on superconducting detectors or cryogenic quantum storage. Photonic only repeater designs could avoid cryogenics, but they are not yet deployable for subsea. Additionally, the cable deployment cycle is estimated at 5-7 years per system. Quantum ready repeaters are estimated with a global Capex requirement of $15B – $25B from 2028 – 2038. PQC for landing stations is estimated at $2B -$4B in Capex globally from 2025 – 2030.⁵

Quantum for data centers

Data centers will deploy quantum‑accelerated compute through hybrid quantum classic systems that support AI, optimization, and simulation workloads. Quantum cloud services will rely on hyperscalers such as Microsoft Azure to integrate quantum processors, including photonic based quantum systems into their cloud platforms.

As data centers already operate at extreme power and cooling limits, quantum systems introduce additional requirements including cryogenic cooling for superconducting qubits to around –150 °C. Photonic isolation is used to protect lasers, stabilize optical links, and maintain signal integrity at high‑bandwidth interconnect points. These facilities require accelerated hardware refresh cycles as AI driven power density demands rise. Quantum processors cannot operate independently; they rely on a substantial classic computing stack for control, synchronization, and error‑correction workloads.

McKinsey projects $6.7T will be required for Global Data Center Capex by 2030 driven by AI and quantum-ready infrastructure⁵; associated with Quantum Data Center Retrofits $150 – $250B from 2026-2035, Quantum Cloud Integration $50 – $80B from 2025 – 2032, and Cryogenic/Photonic Infrastructure $40 – $60B from 2028-2035. ⁶

Quantum for satellite

China’s National Quantum Network and the EU’s Euro QCI (Quantum Communication Infrastructure Initiative) have already incorporated QKD into their plans to build national and pan‑European quantum secure communications networks using QKD and other quantum technologies across their fiber and satellites networks based on QKD encryption keys with physics-based security. Quantum enhanced constellation optimization will provide better orbital routing and inter-satellite link scheduling. To date, there are regulatory uncertainties associated with quantum secure global links, payload capabilities, and the cost benefits thereof.

Global Capex requirements for QKD secure enabled Satellites are estimated to be $20 – $35B from 2027 – 2038. Capex for PDQ ground stations is estimated to be $3 – 6B from 2025 – 2030. Capex for Quantum optimized constellation management platforms is estimated to be $2 – $4B from 2026 – 2032.⁷

The potential for compromised encryption exposes all telecom sectors to systemic risk, uncertain timelines for quantum technology engagement and extremely inflated costs associated with the capital requirements for investment. Today’s estimates of total Global Quantum related Capex from 2025 – 2038 is $380B to $615B, not including classic data center Capex. Global Capex, by sector, is estimated at Mobile $35 – $53B, Terrestrial Fiber $55 – $85B, Subsea Fiber $17 – $29B, Data Centers $240 – $390B (quantum specific), Towers, $8 – $13B, and Satellite $25 – $45B.⁸

The future of Quantum 2030’s & beyond

Quantum chips today remain fragile and expensive to scale. However, improvements are increasing in manufacturing exponentially by GPU Al Accelerators such as Nvidia, AMD, Intel for Data Centers, by hyperscalers such as Amazon (AWS), Google, Alibaba, Huawei, and Microsoft for Cloud Platforms, and Mobile/Edge/IoT manufacturers such as Qualcomm, Huawei, MediaTek, Samsung and Apple for devices.

Regulatory guidelines need to be defined with immediate urgency, incorporating global best practices, mitigants, and timelines, to avoid a “Quantum Divide,” which would be far more polarizing and potentially negatively impactful to developing markets which have already endured the Digital Divide.

Quantum computing will fundamentally reshape the converging telecom ecosystem. The benefits of ultra secure communications, optimized networks, and advanced analytics are substantial, but so are the risks, with current encryption vulnerability exposing all converging telecoms sectors systemically, coupled with inflated capex, and uncertain timelines for the quantum advantage to be monetized. However, based on past history with the global advent of GSM in the 1990’s, it is clear that the manufacturers, network operators, and ecosystems that invest early in emerging global technologies such as PQC, QKD quantum pilots, and quantum ready data center infrastructure will have a first user advantage and will be best positioned to capture value and impact societies as quantum technologies mature worldwide over the 2030 decade and beyond.

*AI used to research sources

1. PWC, Perspectives from the Global Telecom Outlook 2024-2028, March 2025, p.4, by Dr. Florian Groene, Wilson Chow, Rusell Taylor
   ↩︎
2. McKinsey, The Year of Quantum: From concept to reality in 2025, June 23, 2025, various pages, by Martha Gschwendterner, Sara Shabani, and Waldemar Svejstrup – ↩︎
3. McKinsey, The Year of Quantum: From concept to reality in 2025, June 23, 2025, various pages, by Martha Gschwendterner, Sara Shabani, and Waldemar Svejstrup ↩︎
4. Post Quantum, February 27, 2025, Telecoms Infrastructure, by Marin
   ↩︎
5. McKinsey, The Year of Quantum: From concept to reality in 2025, June 23, 2025, various pages, by Martha Gschwendterner, Sara Shabani, and Waldemar Svejstrup ↩︎
6. McKinsey, The cost of compute: A $7 trillion race to scale data centers, April 2025, McKinsey Quarterly
   Silicon Angle, Photonic raises $130M to scales quantum computers with entanglement-based networking, January 6, 2026, by Mike Wheatley. ↩︎
7. Ericsson, Exploring the potential advantages of quantum computing in telecommunication networks, Jan 14, 2025, by A.J Awan, M.A Ullah, C.J Yang, R.P Sircar, B. Grafulla-González, C. Granbom. ↩︎
8. McKinsey, The Year of Quantum: From concept to reality in 2025, June 23, 2025, various pages, by Martha Gschwendterner, Sara Shabani, and Waldemar Svejstrup. ↩︎

Laureen is CEO of Extelcon Consulting, providing technical and commercial oversight to the Private Equity/Venture Capital & Investment Banking Communities, Regulators, and TMT & Satellite industry sectors, as Lender’s Technical Adviser for multi-billion USD telecoms & technology companies. As an Alumni of the IFC (World Bank), Laureen was formerly the Principal TMT Adviser, for the Global Telecoms, Media & Technology Private Equity Group having deployed over $16.5B in capital. Prior to joining the IFC, Laureen was with Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia), as Vice President 4G Strategy & Innovation, developing revenue generating IoT products & services for commercialization to the industry. She is a founding Director of Global Telecommunications Women’s Network, a member of the GTWN Int’l Board, and is a Mentor to EIC Scaling Club, a 1B Euro PPP fund established by European Union, funding series A-D for IoT/AI technology companies. She holds an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an MBA from Long Island University in New York.     

www.extelcon.com