Global tier 1 telco operator signs three year agreement with Arqit to secure its Quantum-Safe Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) Deployment

Rhea-AI Summary

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ) has secured a significant three-year contract with a global tier 1 telco operator for its NetworkSecure™ technology. The telecommunications partner, which operates across 32 countries with over 600,000 km of fiber backbone, will integrate Arqit's Quantum-Safe technology into its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) suite.

The agreement enables the telco to offer Quantum-Safe over Internet (QSI) service to enterprise and government customers worldwide through its NaaS platform. This partnership represents a strategic move to protect communications against emerging cyber threats, particularly those posed by quantum computing. Arqit indicates potential for expansion beyond the initial contract as demand scales.

Positive

• Secured 3-year contract with major global telco operator
• Access to 32-country market through partner's network
• Potential for contract expansion based on demand scaling
• Integration into established telco's NaaS platform enables immediate market access

Negative

• No financial terms or contract value disclosed
• Revenue impact and monetization timeline unclear

LONDON, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) announces a global tier 1 telco operator has signed a 3 year contract for Arqit’s NetworkSecure™. The telco operates in 32 countries, providing secure digital infrastructure, with a backbone spanning over 600,000 km of fiber. Arqit’s Quantum-Safe NetworkSecure technology will be deployed as part of its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) suite. This agreement marks a major step in securing enterprise and government communications against emerging cyber threats, including those posed by quantum computing.

Quantum-Safe over Internet (QSI) service is now available to order, meaning enterprises and governments worldwide can now access the operator’s Quantum-Safe over Internet (QSI) service utilizing its NaaS platform powered by Arqit’s NetworkSecure.

As demand for the operator’s offering scales, Arqit sees potential for expansion beyond this initial contract.

Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit, commented: "This multi-year agreement represents a major step forward in protecting global communications from emerging threats. As quantum computing advances, the need for robust security solutions is paramount. Our customer’s leadership position in global networking, combined with Arqit’s pioneering quantum-safe encryption, ensures enterprises can access next-generation security with the agility of a NaaS framework. We are excited to help bring this technology to market at scale."

Notes to Editors

About Arqit

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) 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. In September 2024, Arqit was named as an IDC Innovator for Post-Quantum Cryptography, 2024. 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’ Cyber Defence Product of the Year 2024 and Innovation in Cyber Award 2022, as well as the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award 2022. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk or read our latest white paper.

Media relations enquiries:

    Arqit: pr@arqit.uk

Investor relations enquiries:

    Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk

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 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, (viii) market and other conditions, and (ix) 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 5 December 2024 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 Arqit's (ARQQ) new three-year telco contract?

The contract enables Arqit to deploy its NetworkSecure technology across a tier 1 telco's network spanning 32 countries, protecting against quantum computing threats.

How extensive is the telco partner's network for ARQQ's technology deployment?

The telco operates across 32 countries with over 600,000 km of fiber backbone infrastructure.

What services will be available through ARQQ's telco partnership?

The partnership enables Quantum-Safe over Internet (QSI) service through the telco's Network-as-a-Service platform, powered by Arqit's NetworkSecure.

What is the potential for expansion of ARQQ's telco agreement?

Arqit indicates potential for expansion beyond the initial three-year contract as demand for the operator's offering scales.

Who can access ARQQ's Quantum-Safe technology through this partnership?

Enterprise and government customers worldwide can access the Quantum-Safe over Internet service through the telco's NaaS platform.