Singtel launched a quantum-safe network with hybrid efficiencies for the Singapore market.

Claimed to be the first of its kind for the region, its Hybrid Quantum-Safe Networks (Hybrid QSN) offering integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) with post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and builds on its Quantum-Safe Network (QSN), which was unveiled last year.

The layered approach was claimed to protect against quantum-based breaches in a “flexible and globally extensible” manner, and marks the operator’s efforts to bolster Singapore’s reputation as a quantum-secure nation.

Singtel’s Hybrid QSN aims to bring quantum-proof key distribution across conventional networks and locations lacking QKD hardware. This would see quantum security extend beyond data centres to remote sites, cloud-based environments, and regional offices, with a focus on healthcare, financial services, and critical infrastructure.

The offering also extends to international locations, with its hybrid nature claimed to bypass the distance limitations associated with fibre-based QKD.

Hybrid QSN’s QKD capabilities will be provided by the Swiss-based ID Quantique, which has received backing from IonQ and Deutsche Telekom over the years.

Palo Alto Networks’ PQC solution will also be used. That service was launched by the security giant this summer in an update to its firewall operating system, bringing quantum-ready features and quantum-optimized hardware to deliver high‑throughput PQC processing.

Singtel said its QSN platform will validate and manage both sets of quantum keys, with integration via Palo Alto Networks’ firewalls.

The Singaporean giant also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Palo Alto to extend its QSN platform through the Palo Alto PQC solution, with Singtel offering Hybrid QSN as a managed security service to customers.

The quantum solution follows similar efforts from various vendors this year.

Nokia, for example, unveiled a 50G PON solution this month designed to ensure quantum-safe measures in passive optical networks.

In September, Cisco unveiled research prototypes that aim to network quantum computers together, enabling both advanced quantum and classical applications.

SoftBank also turned to quantum computing this summer in a bid to improve radio access network (RAN) performance by optimizing its base station settings.