Colt, Honeywell and Nokia join forces to trial space-based quantum-safe cryptography

London, UK 2nd June 2025 - Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, Honeywell and Nokia today announced a collaboration to explore quantum-safe networking using satellite communications.  As part of the initiative, the companies are planning to test new ways of protecting encrypted optical network traffic from risks presented when quantum computing potentially breaks through traditional encryption methods, leaving data vulnerable to cyber threats.  

Traditional encryption methods, or cryptography, rely on complex mathematical problems that are difficult for computers to solve, but quantum computers are expected to solve these problems faster, potentially breaking through traditional encryption methods and putting data at risk. One promising advancement in this field is quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology central to the quantum evolution. However, QKD currently faces a major limitation: terrestrial physical constraints restrict its range to around 100 kilometers. To achieve global coverage of QKD, the technology can overcome these limitations by moving into space. Colt, Honeywell and Nokia plan to explore quantum-safe cryptography, trialing space-based and subsea techniques which are resistant to quantum computing attacks.

The companies will trial quantum key distribution - a method used to securely share encryption keys between two parties – using low earth orbit satellites for ultra-long distances and transatlantic reach. The three companies share a collective goal: : enable customers to benefit from the huge potential of quantum computing in ways that help solve pressing challenges, while protecting them from risk. The trial is expected to be of interest to organizations responsible for vast amounts of highly sensitive data such as financial firms, healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations and government bodies.

Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services said “Fundamental to the collaboration between Colt, Honeywell and Nokia is a shared passion and determination to push the boundaries of technology to find solutions which safeguard our customers and help them succeed.  At Colt, we do everything we can to make life easier for our customers. It’s why we’re taking action now to protect our customers from future cybersecurity risks, tackling tomorrow’s threats, today.”

James Watt, vice president and general manager, Optical Networks at Nokia, said: “Nokia is helping our customers stay ahead when it comes to securing critical data through resilient defense-in-depth strategies. Quantum computing brings great promise, but it’s also a potential threat to the encryption models on which society has relied so far. This collaboration with Colt and Honeywell shows how space-based quantum-safe technologies can help protect networks, safeguarding sensitive information across every domain against future quantum threats.”

Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager, Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies said, “With over five decades of aerospace expertise, Honeywell has witnessed and adapted to the evolution of the global communications landscape. We are proud to continue as a leader in innovating future-proof solutions such as the QEYSSat and QKDSat missions for the quantum era. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in securing the future of critical data: designing solutions to enhance resilience, ensuring long-term data security for critical infrastructure and communications systems.”

Ahead of the trial, Colt, Nokia and Honeywell have drafted a white paper with more detail on the risks, threats and opportunities presented by quantum cryptography. The paper, entitled ’The Journey to Quantum-Safe Networking’ is available to download here.

The announcement follows a pilot Colt announced in March to explore quantum-secure networking across terrestrial networks.

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.

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About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

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About Honeywell

Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and in many terrestrial systems. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, and more. It’s hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit aerospace.honeywell.com or follow Honeywell Aerospace Technologies on LinkedIn.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter, safer, as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.