Successful trial marks a major step toward quantum-safe networking
London, UK 15 January 2026 – Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, has completed a world-first transatlantic trial which tested the safety of data traffic against quantum computing threats. Colt successfully transmitted data at 100GbE across its terrestrial and transatlantic subsea networks using quantum‑safe encryption, powered by Nokia’s and Adtran’s solutions*.
The trial is the latest in a series of pilots Colt has delivered with global partners to explore new ways of protecting traffic travelling across its optical network from quantum threats. It marks a breakthrough in strengthening security on the busiest subsea corridor for global internet traffic, which supports AI workloads, streaming and enterprise cloud services between Europe and the US. The Grace Hopper cable – a critical part of the infrastructure used within this trial – adds 352 Tbps of capacity to this critical route, reinforcing its role as a backbone for global connectivity.
Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services, said: “Protecting data in transit from quantum threats is one of the most critical challenges businesses will face. This trial demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering secure, future-ready connectivity that supports the global economy and keeps our customers one step ahead in the quantum era.”
Later in 2026, Colt will offer quantum-resilient services including solutions based on Pre-Shared Key (PSK), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and hybrid models across terrestrial and subsea networks. The solutions are ideal for:
- Businesses seeking resilient, secure, future-ready global connectivity
- Strategic technology partners and alliances exploring quantum-safe integration
- Financial institutions and health care providers requiring robust protection for sensitive data in transit
- Government and defence sectors prioritising national security and compliance
- Industry innovators and developers working on quantum-safe applications and services
This achievement builds on Colt’s previous quantum-safe pilots, including a trial on its optical wave network in April 2025 with partners including Nokia and Adtran, and upcoming developments around space-based quantum cryptography. By extending quantum security from land and space to subsea routes, Colt is reinforcing its commitment to end-to-end quantum-resilient connectivity across its global footprint.
*Notes to editors
Colt successfully achieved secure data transmission at 100GbE across its terrestrial and subsea infrastructure using Nokia’s advanced Pre-Shared Key (PSK) technology and Adtran’s ML-KEM Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions.
About Colt Technology Services
Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose.
Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to a global business spanning 40+ countries, with over 6,000 employees and more than 80 offices around the world. Colt’s customers benefit from expansive digital infrastructure connecting 32,000 buildings across 230 cities, more than 50 Metropolitan Area Networks and 275+ Points of Presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America’s largest business hubs.
Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector. Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and the planet. For more information, please visit www.colt.net Press Contact: Anne.Amlot@colt.net
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