Telefonica has introduced ‘Quantum Telco’ at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of quantum technology solutions designed for practical, real-world applications. The initiative highlights Telefonica’s strategy to transform quantum complexity into accessible tools that enhance cybersecurity, operational efficiency and competitiveness for enterprises and public administrations.
The Quantum Telco framework is built on four strategic pillars, demonstrated through live hardware showcases and applied use cases at the company’s stand.
Quantum-Safe Communications for Future-Proof Security
A key pillar of Quantum Telco is Quantum-Safe communications, focused on protecting sensitive data such as medical records and confidential corporate information from future quantum-enabled cyber threats.
Telefonica has positioned itself as the first operator to commercially launch communication services secured with post-quantum cryptography standards. One example is its CPD Interconnection service, which uses advanced cryptographic techniques to safeguard critical information exchanged between data processing centers and corporate headquarters.
At MWC 2026, Telefonica is showcasing three Quantum-Safe solutions developed with leading technology partners:
Data Center Interconnection Service with hardware from Adtran
Q-Safe office communication service with Fortinet
Quantum Key Distribution solutions in partnership with LuxQuanta
These solutions are designed to ensure long-term confidentiality and integrity of information in a post-quantum era.
Building Quantum Ecosystems in Spain and Europe
Another pillar of Telefonica’s quantum strategy is the creation of robust quantum ecosystems. The company is supporting the development of quantum capabilities in Spain through initiatives such as the Javier Echenique Talent and Technology Center, integrated within the BIQAIN quantum hub in Bilbao.
This center incorporates Fujitsu’s Digital Annealer technology to deliver quantum-inspired optimization solutions. During MWC, Telefonica is demonstrating real-time logistics optimization services developed with Würth, as well as advanced data network design and optimization services powered by the Digital Annealer.
The initiative underscores Telefonica’s commitment to accelerating applied quantum innovation across industries.
Applied Quantum Computing and Healthcare Innovation
Telefonica is also advancing applied quantum computing projects tailored to specific customer needs. At its stand, the company is exhibiting the 54-qubit IQM Radiance quantum computer, developed by IQM Quantum Computers. The system is designed for integration with classical supercomputing centers and will be provided to the Supercomputing Center of Galicia (CESGA).
One of the highlighted projects involves collaboration with Vithas and Universidad Francisco de Vitoria to accelerate cancer drug research. The initiative leverages quantum computing for intelligent molecular design, optimizing the search for treatments targeting specific mutations such as BRAF V600E with greater efficiency than traditional computing methods.
Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Hub and Post-Quantum Infrastructure
Telefonica is presenting its Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Hub, a platform designed to help organizations transition toward quantum-resistant cryptography aligned with European security standards.
The company is also showcasing the IBM LinuxONE server from IBM, which supports post-quantum environments. Through Telefonica Tech, this hardware is being used to migrate enterprise IT infrastructures to new cryptographic algorithms, ensuring long-term digital resilience.
Five real-world use cases demonstrated at MWC include:
Identification and analysis of cryptographic risks
Adoption of cryptography-as-a-service and cryptoagility models
Digital sovereignty and external key management
Protection of information during processing
Cryptographic hybridization combining conventional and post-quantum algorithms
These use cases address the growing threat of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where encrypted data stolen today could be decrypted in the future using quantum computers.
Strengthening Quantum-Safe Healthcare Connectivity
Telefonica’s quantum initiatives also extend to healthcare cybersecurity. In collaboration with Vithas and LuxQuanta, the company has deployed Quantum-Safe connectivity between the Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria and La Milagrosa hospitals in Madrid. The project secures critical healthcare data, including medical records, imaging and vital sign monitoring, against future quantum computing risks.
Positioning for the Quantum Era
According to Juan Cambeiro, Head of Applied Quantum Projects at Telefonica Spain, Quantum Telco demonstrates that quantum technologies are already delivering tangible value for customers seeking greater security, efficiency and competitiveness.
With Quantum Telco on display at its MWC stand and featured in a dedicated Agora session, Telefonica is reinforcing its leadership in applied quantum technologies. The initiative complements existing operational projects and signals the operator’s long-term commitment to enabling secure digital transformation in the quantum era.
