Quantum Communication Line in Operation

Connecting Wuhan City of Central China’s Hubei Province and Hefei City of East China’s Anhui Province, a world-leading quantum communication line was officially put into service in November 2018. It is the first commercial extension line of the world’s first quantum encryption communication trunk line, the Beijing-Shanghai trunk line.

The line’s completion marks the beginning of the quantum communication era in China, bringing the country a step closer to building and operating the world’s most secure communication network. Quantum communications feature ultrahigh security. Information running through it is difficult to tap, intercept, or crack, experts said.

The line began construction in 2017. It involves an initial investment of about RMB 200 million (US $29 million) and all its technology and equipment was developed by Chinese scientists.

“The physical properties of quantum communication ensure information security,” said Wu Xiaofeng, deputy general manager of China Space Sanjiang Group. Unlike optical networks, quantum communication is an unconditionally secure method of communication. According to the company, the new quantum communication landline will be facilitated by building 11 stations in cities in Anhui and Hubei provinces, and is 609 kilometers long.