Deep-Sea Quantum Key Distribution Network AquaQKD Completes Testing in the Mediterranean: Undersea Cables Carry Quantum-Encrypted Communication for the First Time

Deep-Sea Quantum Key Distribution Network AquaQKD Completes Testing in the Mediterranean: Undersea Cables Carry Quantum-Encrypted Communication for the First Time

AquaQKD, a quantum key distribution network jointly deployed by Huawei Marine and Telecom Italia, completed a 30-day continuous operation test in the Mediterranean on August 24, 2030. The network successfully achieved commercial-grade quantum key distribution on the undersea cable connecting Bari, Italy and Patras, Greece, with a key generation rate of 120 kilobits per second.

AquaQKD uses "in-fiber embedded quantum channel" technology, designating a dedicated wavelength within existing undersea cables for quantum signal transmission without the need to lay new undersea cables. The system uses Huawei's proprietary underwater quantum repeaters, with nodes deployed every 80 kilometers, solving the attenuation problem of quantum signals over long-distance fiber optic transmission.

Huawei Marine's CEO said: "AquaQKD proves that quantum-secure communication can leverage existing undersea cable infrastructure. This means the global undersea cable network can be upgraded to a quantum-secure network without re-laying cables."

During the test period, the network transmitted over 5 million quantum keys with a bit error rate below 0.1%. Telecom Italia plans to expand AquaQKD to all major Mediterranean undersea cable routes by 2031.