Sparkle Pioneers Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) with Quantum-Safe Internet Use Case

Rhea-AI Summary

Sparkle, a leading international service provider, has successfully completed a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) Proof of Concept (PoC) for a quantum-safe Internet use case. The trial, conducted in collaboration with Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ), Intel, Adtran, and Telsy, demonstrated the agile implementation of an on-demand MEF Internet Access Service secured by post-quantum cryptography. The PoC was carried out on Sparkle's metropolitan fiber optic network in Athens, following an earlier successful trial on an International VPN between Italy and Germany.

The solution integrates connectivity functions with Arqit's quantum-safe encryption into an Intel-powered NetSec accelerator card, used as Universal Customer Premises Equipment (uCPE). Sparkle plans to commercially launch its NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet (NaaS/QSI) service by the end of 2024, followed by other use cases in its NaaS Suite.

Positive

• Successful completion of Network-as-a-Service Proof of Concept for quantum-safe Internet
• Collaboration with industry leaders Arqit Quantum, Intel, Adtran, and Telsy
• Planned commercial launch of NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet service by end of 2024
• Integration of advanced connectivity functions with quantum-safe encryption

Negative

• None.

Insights

Network Security Expert

Sparkle's successful PoC for quantum-safe NaaS marks a significant leap in secure networking. The integration of post-quantum cryptography with on-demand MEF Internet Access Service demonstrates a proactive approach to future-proofing data protection. This is important as quantum computers pose a potential threat to current encryption methods.

The collaboration with industry leaders like Arqit, Intel and Adtran suggests a robust technical foundation. The use of Intel-powered NetSec accelerator cards as uCPE, combined with Adtran's cloud-based orchestration, indicates a scalable and flexible architecture. This could potentially reduce implementation costs and complexity for businesses adopting quantum-safe networking.

However, the real test will be the commercial launch. Key factors to watch include pricing, ease of integration with existing infrastructure and performance metrics compared to traditional solutions. The success of this service could position Sparkle as a pioneer in quantum-resistant networking services, potentially leading to increased market share in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Telecommunications Analyst

Sparkle's NaaS/QSI initiative represents a strategic move in the telecom industry. By combining Network-as-a-Service with quantum-safe security, Sparkle is addressing two critical market trends simultaneously. The planned commercial launch by year-end could give Sparkle a first-mover advantage in this niche but potentially high-growth segment.

The successful PoC in Athens, following an earlier trial between Italy and Germany, demonstrates scalability across different network environments. This versatility could appeal to multinational corporations seeking consistent, secure connectivity solutions across borders. The emphasis on agility and full automation aligns with enterprise demands for flexible, responsive network services.

However, the telecom market is highly competitive. Sparkle's success will depend on factors such as pricing strategy, service reliability and the ability to educate customers about the benefits of quantum-safe networking. The company's position as part of the TIM Group could provide advantages in terms of resources and existing customer relationships, potentially accelerating adoption.

Sparkle’s NaaS successful proof of concept paves the way for commercial launch planned by the end of the year

ROME, Aug. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, announces the successful completion of a Network-as-a-Service Proof of Concept (PoC) on a quantum-safe Internet use case.

Realized in collaboration with leading companies Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW), Intel, Adtran, and also supported by Telsy, a TIM Group company specializing in cybersecurity, the trial was carried out on Sparkle’s metropolitan fiber optic network in Athens and demonstrated the agile and fully automated implementation of an on-demand MEF Internet Access Service secured by post-quantum cryptography.

This PoC follows an earlier successful trial carried out on an International VPN between Italy and Germany. By integrating connectivity functions with Arqit quantum-safe encryption into an Intel-powered NetSec accelerator card used as Universal Customer Premises Equipment (uCPE), Sparkle tested the instantiation of a NaaS solution composed by on-demand networking and security capabilities, leveraging Adtran’s Ensemble cloud-based orchestration and automation software solution.

“Our NaaS vision is rooted in the belief that connectivity should be seamless, ubiquitous, secure and adaptable” said Daniele Mancuso, Chief Marketing & Product Management at Sparkle. “We envision a world where businesses can effortlessly scale their Wide Area Networks, adapting to changing demands with agility and precision. NaaS enables this by offering flexible, on-demand network services that are easily customizable to meet the unique needs of each customer. Whether it’s expanding bandwidth during peak times, ensuring low latency for critical applications, or providing secure connections for sensitive data, Sparkle’s NaaS solutions are designed to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability”.

The commercial launch of Sparkle’s NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet (NaaS/QSI) is planned for later this year and will be progressively followed by other use cases composing Sparkle’s Naas Suite.

Notes to Editors

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s Global Operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice - to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. A major player in the submarine cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber spanning from Europe to Africa and the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Its sales force is active worldwide and distributed over 33 countries.

Find out more about Sparkle following its X and LinkedIn profiles or visiting the website tisparkle.com

Media Contacts:

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

About Arqit

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit) supplies a unique encryption software service which makes the communications links of any networked device, cloud machine or data at rest secure against both current and future forms of attack on encryption – even from a quantum computer. Compatible with NSA CSfC Components and meeting the demands of NSA CSfC Symmetric Key Management Requirements Annexe 1.2. and RFC 8784, Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform uses a lightweight software agent that allows end point devices to create encryption keys locally in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure and facilitate Zero Trust Network Access. It can create limitless volumes of keys with any group size and refresh rate and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The agent is lightweight and will thus run on the smallest of end point devices. The product sits within a growing portfolio of granted patents. It also works in a standards compliant manner which does not oblige customers to make a disruptive rip and replace of their technology. Arqit is winner of two GSMA Global Mobile Awards, The Best Mobile Security Solution and The CTO Choice Award for Outstanding Mobile Technology, at Mobile World Congress 2024, recognised for groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards and winner of the National Cyber Awards’ Innovation in Cyber Award and the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk

Media relations enquiries:
Arqit: pr@arqit.uk

Investor relations enquiries:
Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk   
Gateway: arqit@gateway-grp.com   

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Arqit’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Arqit’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Arqit to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as required by law, Arqit does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Arqit’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Arqit, (ii) the ability to maintain the listing of Arqit’s securities on a national securities exchange, (iii) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which Arqit operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Arqit’s business, (iv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realise additional opportunities, (v) the potential inability of Arqit to successfully deliver its operational technology, (vi) the risk of interruption or failure of Arqit’s information technology and communications system, (vii) the enforceability of Arqit’s intellectual property, and (viii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Arqit’s annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 21 November 2023 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and in the Form 20-F and other SEC filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realisation of forward-looking statements.

FAQ

What is the significance of Sparkle's Network-as-a-Service Proof of Concept?

Sparkle's NaaS PoC demonstrates the successful implementation of an on-demand MEF Internet Access Service secured by post-quantum cryptography, paving the way for quantum-safe internet solutions.

When is Sparkle planning to launch its NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet service commercially?

Sparkle plans to commercially launch its NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet (NaaS/QSI) service by the end of 2024.

Which companies collaborated with Sparkle on the NaaS Proof of Concept?

Sparkle collaborated with Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ), Intel, Adtran, and Telsy (a TIM Group company) for the NaaS Proof of Concept.

Where was Sparkle's NaaS Proof of Concept conducted?

The NaaS Proof of Concept was carried out on Sparkle's metropolitan fiber optic network in Athens, Greece.