UK Makes History With First Quantum-Secured Video Call

Researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge have successfully conducted the UK’s first quantum-secured video call, spanning an impressive distance of 250 miles (410 km). This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of secure and resilient communication networks in anticipation of advanced quantum computing technologies.

Using standard fiber optic infrastructure, the experiment involved two types of quantum key distribution (QKD). The first type embedded encryption keys within photons, making the communication highly resistant to interception. The second employed distributed quantum entanglement, where particles remain connected across distances, adding an additional layer of security and complexity.

This demonstration is part of the ongoing UK Quantum Network (UKQN) project, which has been working for over a decade to establish secure quantum communication channels. Previous achievements from the network include record-setting key distribution speeds and successful entanglement demonstrations between multiple users.

During this recent trial, encrypted medical data was securely transmitted, and remote access to a distributed data center was verified through the quantum-secured network. Researchers have highlighted the importance of these capabilities in moving toward a future quantum-secured internet.

The successful trial not only illustrates the practical application of advanced quantum technologies but also underscores the UK’s prominent role in pioneering quantum communications. Presented at the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications Conference (OFC) in San Francisco, these results indicate the country’s continued leadership and innovation in quantum network research and development.

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