With the investment, the carrier has established the China Telecom Quantum Information Technology Group Co.
China Telecom this week revealed that it has invested 3 billion yuan ($434 million) in the establishment of the China Telecom Quantum Information Technology Group Co., which will be headquartered in the eastern Chinese province of Anhui.
In a statement, the carrier called the move a “practical action” to address General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “important instructions on the development of quantum technology.”
Three years ago, Xi Jinping spoke at the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in China, highlighting the need for advancing quantum technology in order to “nurture opportunities in crises and open new games amidst changes.”
“It is necessary to fully understand the importance and urgency of promoting the development of quantum technology, strengthen the strategic planning and system layout of quantum technology development, grasp the general trend, and make good moves,” he continued.
According to numerous reports, China has invested between $5 and $15 billion as part of the country’s five-year plan to further this technology, which is expected to enable highly secure communications. It’s worth noting that these investment numbers are disputed due to limited government disclosure.
China Telecom’s recent investment follows rival China Mobile’s December decision to partner with Chinese startup Origin Quantum with the goal to use quantum computing to address computational bottlenecks present in 5G and 6G technologies.
