MEO, through Altice Labs—the Group’s center for innovation and technological development—and the Institute of Telecommunications (IT), conducted a pioneering demonstration in Portugal that integrates Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with classical communication services on a commercial fiber-optic network.
Presented as part of the Portugal Digital Summit 2026, the demonstration combined an encrypted video call—transmitted over a 50G-PON connection—with quantum key distribution, without the need for dedicated fiber-optic infrastructure. The demonstration took place on an optical access network that supports three generations of technology—GPON, XGS-PON, and 50G-PON—highlighting the possibility of integrating quantum security technologies into existing telecommunications infrastructure while ensuring the coexistence of different generations of services.
This marks the first demonstration in Portugal of a quantum key distribution system operating alongside classical communication services on a commercial Passive Optical Network (PON). The demonstration used a videoconferencing service to illustrate the application of quantum technologies in enhancing communications security.
This result represents an important step toward the integration of quantum security solutions into future high-capacity telecommunications networks. By leveraging existing fiber-optic infrastructure, this approach could facilitate the adoption of quantum key distribution, reducing the need to deploy dedicated networks.
Preparing Communications for the Quantum Era
Advances in quantum computing pose new challenges to information security. One of the identified risks is known as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,” which involves collecting encrypted data today with the aim of decrypting it in the future, should the necessary technological capabilities become available.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses principles of quantum physics to enable the distribution of cryptographic keys designed to secure communications. Integrating this technology into telecommunications networks could help strengthen the protection of sensitive information, particularly in sectors such as banking, defense, public administration, energy, and critical infrastructure.
The demonstration presented at the Portugal Digital Summit 2026 highlights the potential of combining quantum technologies with commercial fiber-optic networks, bringing scientific research and technological development closer to practical application.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing advanced solutions for telecommunications security and preparing networks for future challenges. By demonstrating the coexistence of quantum key distribution with different generations of PON technology, the partners have taken a significant step toward evaluating the integration of these solutions into existing fiber-optic networks.