C-DOT and STL Achieve India’s First Quantum Key Distribution Over Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) Network.
National
In April 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), based in New Delhi (Delhi) and functioning under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), in collaboration with Pune (Maharashtra)-based Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), successfully conducted India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) network.
- Both C-DOT and STL reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India’s leadership in quantum communication and optical networking technologies on the global stage.
- A stable QKD link was established over a distance of more than 100 kilometres, demonstrating reliability even under heavy data traffic. One core transmitted quantum signals, while the remaining three cores handled high-speed classical data.
- C-DOT developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems, which have been approved by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the DoT.
Main Point :- (i) The test validated the coexistence of quantum and classical communication on the same optical fibre, allowing for secure and cost-efficient data transmission.
(ii) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method of secure encryption key exchange based on quantum mechanics principles.
(iii) Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) is an advanced optical fibre featuring multiple cores (channels) within a single cladding, enabling concurrent data transmission through multiple paths.
About Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL)
Managing Director (MD): Ankit Agarwal
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
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