AT&T expands D-Wave quantum computing deal for AI-driven network optimisation - eeNews Europe

AT&T expands D-Wave quantum computing deal for AI-driven network optimisation News | July 29, 2026 By Asma Adhimi AT&T is expanding its use of quantum computing technology from D-Wave Quantum after early tests cut the processing time for a network optimisation task from around one hour to less than 15 seconds. The agreement marks a broader move by the US telecoms operator to apply quantum computing to day-to-day network operations alongside AI and automation. For eeNews Europe readers, the announcement highlights how quantum computing is beginning to move beyond research projects and into operational telecom networks. It also provides another example of how AI and quantum technologies are converging to address increasingly complex optimisation challenges in communications infrastructure. Quantum targets network optimisation Under the agreement, AT&T plans to integrate D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology into the software tools that support its agentic AI systems. AT&T already uses these AI-based tools to improve network operations such as outage detection and management, reducing customer downtime by 12 million hours in 2025. The next step is to use quantum computing to accelerate optimisation tasks that become increasingly difficult for conventional computing systems as network complexity grows. Beyond the initial proof of concept, AT&T plans to evaluate the technology for outage detection and response, technician routing, network build planning and traffic management as it continues expanding its converged fibre and 5G infrastructure to meet rising AI-driven demand. “AT&T’s work with D-Wave is a powerful example of how leading enterprises are beginning to turn to quantum computing for solving real business problems,” said Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “AT&T has incredibly complex optimization problems across its network operations, understands where classical computing is challenged, and is moving quickly to explore where quantum can make an impact. We’re excited to work with AT&T to help drive speed, efficiency and business value across its operations.” Beyond annealing While the immediate focus is on annealing quantum computing for optimisation workloads, AT&T is also evaluating D-Wave’s forthcoming gate-model quantum systems for potential applications in quantum security and quantum communications. The work forms part of the operator’s broader strategy to modernise its network using AI, automation, advanced analytics and software-defined infrastructure. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of telecom operators investigating practical quantum applications rather than treating the technology as a long-term research topic. Optimisation problems, including routing, scheduling and resource allocation, are widely seen as among the most promising early commercial uses for annealing quantum systems. “D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology gives us a new way to approach optimization and high-intensity compute challenges across AT&T’s network operations,” said Lucus Haugen, director, Data Science for AT&T’s Chief Data Office. “The speed we’re seeing with D-Wave challenges what’s currently possible. It has the potential to help us optimize faster, increase efficiency and scale more real-time operations, making quantum a practical tool for advancing how we run and modernize our network.” The expanded agreement is another indication that telecom operators are increasingly looking to combine AI and quantum computing as complementary technologies to improve the efficiency and resilience of next-generation networks. If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to : eeNews on Google News Share: Linked Articles AT&T expands D-Wave quantum computing deal for AI-driven network optimisation July 29, 2026 Keysight certifies EM simulation tool for Intel Foundry roadmap July 29, 2026 SSI and NVIDIA partner to accelerate AI research with Vera Rubin July 29, 2026 Infineon expands SSI portfolio for compact industrial automation designs July 29, 2026 IBM acquires HRL to expand quantum roadmap July 28, 2026 Related Articles IBM acquires HRL to expand quantum roadmap PsiQuantum lands $125m DARPA quantum deal