Deutsche Telekom: breakthrough in quantum internet with entangled photons

Quantum Internet in the field experiment - Markt

On April 15, 2025, significant progress in the area of ​​the quantum internet was achieved. Researchers from the “Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories” (T-LABs) have successfully tested an automated system for distributing entangled photons in real operation together with the US company Qunnect. This experiment represents an important step in the development of safe communication methods using quantum -physical principles.

In the field experiment carried out, a fiber optic network of 30 kilometers was used to stable crossed photons. The technology was able to adapt to changing conditions in the network independently, which achieved a transmission accuracy of 99 percent. The experiment, which took place in Berlin and was carried out for 17 days without interruption, is remarkable, since so far such transmissions were only successful under laboratory conditions and over short distances.

potential and future applications

Research on quantum interettes not only promises high security standards, but could also enable innovative applications in various areas. The special thing about it is that the condition of the quantum particles is disturbed as soon as someone tries to intercept the data. This property makes quantum communication particularly secure. Potential applications also include highly precise time synchronization for satellite networks and improved sensors in industrial environments that rely on the Internet of Things (IoT).

An additional experiment that was also carried out in 2025 enabled the parallel operation of classic and quantum internet. Here, polarization -restricted photons could be routed over various routes with a total length of 82 kilometers, while classic data traffic took place. The accuracy of over 92 percent achieved shows the potential of integration of both technologies in the existing infrastructure.

The quantum lab of the T-Labs

The T-Labs in Berlin are a central research and development department of Deutsche Telekom, which has modern facilities for quantum-optical experiments and is connected to an extensive fiber optic network. These research efforts are strengthened by cooperations with technical universities in Germany and institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute HHI. The Quantum-Lab opened in 2023 is therefore an important location for the development of future quantum communication technologies and their market implementation.