Sparkle and Hellas Sat Deploy Quantum-Safe Security Between Data Centers in Greece

Sparkle and Hellas Sat have successfully completed a Proof of Concept (PoC). It demonstrates quantum-safe satellite and terrestrial communications between their data centers in Greece. As a result, this milestone highlights the growing importance of secure connectivity in the era of quantum computing and advanced cyber threats.

A Milestone in Quantum-Safe Satellite Communications

Sparkle is the first international service provider in Italy and one of the top global operators. Hellas Sat is a leading satellite operator with three geostationary satellites and two teleport facilities in Greece and Cyprus.

Together, the two companies announced the successful completion of a Proof of Concept (PoC) between their data centers in Greece. The solution is protected with quantum-safe encryption.

How Quantum-Safe Connectivity Works

The PoC was carried out over a secure Internet Protocol (IPsec) tunnel. It demonstrated how Sparkle’s Quantum Safe Interconnect (QSI) approach can be integrated into a standard IPsec environment.

As a result, the solution enables quantum-safe key delivery and automated key rotation. At the same time, it preserves existing security policies and operational practices. In addition, it leverages Hellas Sat’s high-performance infrastructure.

This step also validates a quantum-safe Virtual Private Network (VPN). In particular, it is designed to protect sensitive data against “store now, decrypt later” threats and future quantum-enabled cyber risks.

Expanding Secure Satellite Applications

Building on this first achievement, the two companies will continue collaborating. Specifically, they will explore quantum-safe connectivity in satellite-related scenarios.

In this context, they will leverage Hellas Sat’s satellite infrastructure. This will allow them to expand QSI’s applicability across additional operational and business use cases.

A Next-Generation Security Solution

The solution was launched in 2024 as “Quantum Safe over Internet.” However, it has now been renamed Quantum Safe Interconnect (QSI).

This change reflects its evolution into a broader and interoperable quantum-safe capability. As such, it can be applied across multiple network layers and deployment scenarios.

Executive Perspectives

“Our state-of-the-art global network provides critical services to carriers, institutions and enterprises who trust Sparkle’s secure connectivity solutions to protect their data,” said Antonella Sanguineti, Head of Networking, Cloud, Security & Identity Solutions at Sparkle.

“This Proof of Concept demonstrates that quantum-safe technologies can be effectively integrated even within complex, high-performance infrastructures,” said Constantinos Kassianides, Director of Ground Operations of Hellas Sat.

Greece as a Hub for Cybersecurity Innovation

This PoC further confirms Greece’s growing role as a real-world hub for the experimentation and development of next-generation security solutions.

For example, previous trials have already demonstrated quantum-safe connectivity and multi-site network security. Therefore, Greece continues to strengthen its position in the European cybersecurity landscape.