Telia and QMill Demonstrate Quantum-Enhanced Data Encryption for Mobile Networks

Article summary

Telia Finland and QMill have developed a new quantum-enhanced encryption method for mobile networks. The method aims to protect messages from both classical and quantum attacks. This demonstration marks a significant step in securing communications for critical infrastructure.

Telia and QMill Demonstrate Quantum-Enhanced Data Encryption for Mobile Networks

Image source: Total Telecom

New Quantum-Enhanced Encryption Method

ESPOO, FINLAND, May 26, 2026—Telia Finland and QMill have developed quantum-enhanced message encryption for mobile networks.

QMill’s new encryption method is enabled by local or cloud quantum computers and is designed to protect messages against attacks carried out using either classical or quantum resources.

Jari Collin, Head of Customer Segment Defense at Telia Finland, emphasized the importance of network security, stating, "The security of our networks is becoming more crucial, especially for our mission-critical customers.

In this first demonstration with QMill we focused on the most critical part of our network, but this method could be applied more widely and, in the long-term, it could potentially establish a new standard for encrypted communications."

Collaboration with QMill

Hannu Kauppinen, CEO of QMill, noted, "It is important that we were able to include Telia as a telecom operator in this phase.

We will continue developing our quantum-enhanced security method with the objective of making it available as a standalone product, while also using it to complement other encryption methods by adding an additional layer of security."

The method has also been demonstrated to the Finnish Defense Forces.

According to the C5 Division of the Defense Command Finland, "Encryption is a critical component of the Defense Forces’ information networks.

It is important for us to monitor developments in both encryption and quantum technology, and to assess their impact on the systems used by the Defense Forces.

Testing in collaboration with companies offers an interesting perspective on this."

Future Applications

This demonstration complements Telia’s previous achievement of being the first commercial operator to successfully test quantum key distribution (QKD) in their network, part of Finland’s national quantum-secure network NaQCI.fi project.

Quantum key distribution is based on transmitting quantum states and could serve as a means of ensuring a high level of security in dedicated infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Telia and QMill plan to expand the newly demonstrated point-to-point connection with quantum-enhanced security to a variety of use cases as part of their ongoing collaboration project.

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