• Vodafone has long been exploring the potential of, and challenges associated with, quantum computing 
• It has teamed up with Orca Computing to improve and accelerate its network planning and optimisation processes
• Vodafone is hoping for multiple efficiencies as well as being able to deliver an improved customer experience

Vodafone Group has teamed up with quantum computing specialist Orca Computing to explore ways in which the international network operator can transform its mobile and fixed network planning, installation and optimisation processes.  

Much of the current focus of the telecom sector with respect to quantum computing is related to network security and, in particular, quantum-safe networking techniques that can protect networks from quantum computer-enabled cyberattacks. But Vodafone, which has been exploring the potential and impact of quantum computing on the communications networking sector for a number of years already, is exploring additional options.  

With UK-based Orca, it is aiming to map the fastest and least expensive route when designing and building new networks and/or upgrading existing ones to provide more connections to more customers: The partners claim in this announcement that their collaboration makes it possible to model new networks within a matter of minutes rather than weeks, months or even longer. 

Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone’s head of R&D, stated: “Our work with Orca Computing aims to solve ultra-complex problems which otherwise would take many hours, weeks and even years to process on today’s classical computers. Modelling new networks that maximise speed, reliability and coverage for customers, while navigating urban clutter and rural obstacles, could in future take minutes.”

Quantum computing can quickly manage more complex processing tasks than a ‘traditional’ binary computer and is of particular value where the planning, installation and optimisation of radio access and fixed data transport networks are concerned. 

The collaboration involves the running of Vodafone software on the Orca PT-2 Series photonic quantum system: Orca claims its full-stack photonic quantum computers perform like no other and provide a completely different environment to the cumbersome, fragile and very expensive systems that currently dominate the sector. The company expects its quantum solutions will ultimately lead to important improvements in predictive network fault management.  

The intent behind the partnership is to enhance the current mathematical methods that are applied to approximate optimal network layouts. It is expected that the solutions presented via the Orca PT-2 will help network operators to reduce total cable length and pin down the optimal positioning of mobile base stations, thus maximising speed, minimising major civil engineering work and saving money. 

In the first instance, Vodafone will assess the capabilities of Orca’s quantum technology in solving complex challenges in the field of optical fibre cable design. Thereafter, and providing the assessments have gone well and to plan, Vodafone says it will move on to the wider use of quantum principles in modelling its global network. That covers more than 200 destinations, including a subsea cable network that carries 16.66% of internet traffic globally. The telco also believes the approach could enhance the optimisation of the satellite-to-smartphone services it is developing with AST SpaceMobile. 

The partners aim to “complement their continued research into network planning with the development of additional algorithms and well-defined test projects with specific goals and timelines” before evaluating “a deeper commercial relationship based on the results,” noted Vodafone.

James Fletcher, head of solutions architecture at Orca, added that the “continued collaboration with the Vodafone team marks an important step toward achieving practical and commercial quantum advantage. We have shown that quantum acceleration of telecommunications use cases is not just a theoretical concept, it’s a viable, deployable and commercially compelling solution.” 

The Vodafone/Orca partnership is part of the joint UK government and private sector Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP). At a recent QTAP event, Vodafone worked with Orca and other industry partners to run an algorithm that quickly solved the Steiner tree problem, a complex mathematical challenge used to identify the most cost-efficient way to extend connectivity. 

For more on how quantum computing is impacting the telecom sector, check out TelecomTV’s dedicated quantum technology section. 

– Martyn Warwick, Editor in Chief, TelecomTV