A decisive shift is taking place in quantum networking, as the community moves from deep R&D to dealing with the impact on today’s communications networks and services. The 2025 Quantum Networks Summit in Paris reflected that change, with sessions from major telco vendors and operators including Ciena, Cisco, Huawei, Nokia plus Telefonica and TIM Sparkle.

This research note provides global insights and recommendations for operators and vendors into this fast-developing sector.