Quantum Teleportation Demonstrated Over Existing Fiber Networks Using Commercial Hardware

Deutsche Telekom's T-Labs division has successfully demonstrated quantum teleportation across 30 kilometers of active commercial fiber optic networks in Berlin using commercially available hardware from quantum technology firm Qunnect. The breakthrough, achieved with 90% average accuracy, validates that existing telecommunications infrastructure can support quantum networking without requiring dedicated fiber installations.

The demonstration utilized Qunnect's Carina platform, a commercial quantum networking system featuring integrated entanglement generators. These devices produce pairs of quantum-entangled photons distributed through standard telecom fibers. During transmission, quantum information teleported between endpoints using pre-shared entanglement rather than physical particle transfer, maintaining coexistence with conventional internet traffic on the same fiber lines. Cisco independently replicated these results using identical Qunnect hardware to connect data centers in New York City.

Technical specifications confirm operation at 795nm wavelength, selected for compatibility with emerging quantum systems including neutral-atom quantum computers, atomic clocks, and quantum sensors. This wavelength alignment creates direct integration pathways with next-generation quantum hardware expected to enter commercial deployment within 2-3 years.

Performance metrics reveal practical constraints: The 90% accuracy rate falls short of the >99% reliability benchmark required for enterprise quantum computing applications. Current demonstrations remain limited to point-to-point configurations across single network segments. Scaling challenges include extending transmission distances beyond 50km and developing multi-node architectures capable of routing quantum information across network switches.

Market implications fundamentally alter quantum networking economics. By leveraging existing fiber infrastructure—which carries installation costs of $25,000-$50,000 per kilometer in urban areas—telecom providers avoid billions in network overhaul expenses. Deutsche Telekom confirms its fiber network is "quantum ready," with commercial deployment timelines accelerating by 18-24 months compared to previous estimates requiring dedicated quantum channels.

Immediate applications include:

• Quantum-secure communication channels resistant to decryption
• Distributed quantum computing across metro-area networks
• Synchronized quantum sensor grids for precision monitoring
• Cloud-based quantum service delivery

Future development targets include boosting accuracy beyond 99% through error-correction protocols and demonstrating multi-hop teleportation. Deutsche Telekom, Qunnect, and Technical University Dresden researchers will present technical details at MWC Barcelona on March 3.