Quantum Breakthrough Paves Way for an Unhackable Internet

VANCOUVER, BC – February 13, 2026 – In a groundbreaking demonstration that bridges the gap between quantum theory and real-world application, Vancouver-based Photonic Inc. and telecommunications giant TELUS have successfully teleported quantum information across a 30-kilometer stretch of commercial fiber optic cable. This world-first achievement not only proves that today's internet infrastructure can support the next generation of quantum communications but also lays the foundation for a future of truly secure, unhackable networks.

The partnership's successful test, conducted on TELUS’s existing PureFibre network in British Columbia, marks a pivotal moment for cybersecurity, distributed quantum computing, and Canada's growing prominence as a global leader in quantum technology. It moves the concept of a quantum internet from the pristine conditions of a laboratory into the complex, noisy environment of commercial telecommunications.

A 'World-First' in Quantum Processing

While quantum teleportation has been demonstrated before, the Photonic-TELUS achievement contains a critical distinction that sets it apart. Previous experiments over commercial fiber primarily involved transferring quantum states between photons—particles of light—which could be measured at their destination but not stored or used for further computation. This latest breakthrough goes a crucial step further.

Using their proprietary 'Entanglement First™' architecture, Photonic teleported the quantum information into a matter-based quantum processor. This processor, built from silicon-based qubits, can retain, store, and process the teleported information. It effectively acts as a remote quantum memory and processing node, a capability essential for building scalable quantum networks and large, distributed quantum computers. This transforms the fleeting quantum information into something akin to permanent ink, ready for use in complex calculations.

This was made possible by Photonic's unique approach, which combines optically linked silicon spin qubits that naturally operate in the standard telecommunications band. This design eliminates the need for complex and inefficient frequency conversion hardware, allowing for a more seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. It's a fundamental step toward creating a network of interconnected quantum processors that can work together to solve problems far beyond the capacity of today's most powerful supercomputers.

“The successful demonstration of Photonic’s quantum teleportation on TELUS’ PureFibre is groundbreaking,” said Paul Terry, Photonic Inc. CEO, in a statement. “This critical milestone shows the value of industry leaders working together to accelerate Canada’s leadership in quantum computing and networking.”

From Lab Theory to Real-World Infrastructure

The most significant commercial implication of this milestone is its use of existing infrastructure. By proving that TELUS’s standard, off-the-shelf PureFibre can reliably carry delicate quantum signals, the project dramatically reduces one of the biggest anticipated barriers to a quantum internet: cost. Rather than requiring a complete and prohibitively expensive overhaul of global fiber networks, this demonstration suggests that a quantum future can be built upon the digital highways we already have.

This practical approach is a game-changer, accelerating timelines for commercial deployment. Ongoing access to TELUS’s world-class network provides Photonic with an invaluable real-world testing environment, allowing the company to refine its technology for scalability and resilience outside of a controlled lab.

“These results demonstrate the quantum-potential of TELUS’ PureFibre network and set the stage for our collaboration to deliver technology that contributes to building a secure, resilient, and connected future for Canada,” commented Nazim Benhadid, Chief Technology Officer at TELUS. This sentiment underscores a strategic shift, where major telecom providers are no longer just observing quantum developments but are actively investing in and integrating them into their long-term roadmaps.

The collaboration signals a future where quantum and classical data could coexist on the same fiber lines, paving the way for a gradual and cost-effective upgrade to national and global communication networks.

The Dawn of the Unhackable Era

The primary driver for developing a quantum internet is the pursuit of absolute security. In the quantum realm, the very act of observing a particle changes its state. This principle of physics can be harnessed to create communication channels that are inherently tamper-evident. Any attempt by an eavesdropper to intercept a quantum transmission would immediately alter the signal, alerting the legitimate users to the breach. This offers a level of security that is physically impossible to achieve with classical digital communications.

This capability is becoming increasingly urgent. Security experts have long warned of the “store now, decrypt later” threat, where adversaries are harvesting today’s encrypted data with the expectation that a future, powerful quantum computer will be able to break the encryption. The technology demonstrated by Photonic and TELUS offers a direct defense against this looming threat by enabling quantum key distribution (QKD) and other secure protocols that are immune to attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

Industries that handle the world's most sensitive information—including finance, government, defense, and healthcare—stand to be the first and most significant beneficiaries. From securing financial transactions and protecting state secrets to ensuring the privacy of patient health records, quantum-secure networks promise to redefine data integrity for the 21st century.

Canada's Quantum Advantage on a Global Stage

This achievement is not an isolated event but a significant highlight in Canada's broader national strategy to become a global quantum powerhouse. The federal government's National Quantum Strategy has fostered a vibrant ecosystem of academic research, government funding, and private-sector innovation. Photonic's co-founder and Chief Quantum Officer, Stephanie Simmons, is also a co-chair of the advisory council for this national strategy, highlighting the tight integration between pioneering companies and national policy.

The partnership itself, backed by investment from TELUS Global Ventures, exemplifies the collaborative model needed to transition breakthrough science into commercial products. “This world-first outcome of the collaboration between Photonic and TELUS reinforces its potential to fundamentally redefine secure telecommunications infrastructure on a global scale,” noted Terry Doyle, Managing Partner at TELUS Global Ventures.

While challenges remain on the path to a fully realized global quantum internet, such as developing quantum repeaters to extend teleportation distances and establishing international standards, the Photonic-TELUS milestone is a definitive and inspiring leap forward. It proves that the core components are not only viable but are ready to leave the lab, demonstrating a clear and practical path toward a more connected and fundamentally secure digital world.