AT&T is expanding its use of quantum computing through a new agreement with D-Wave Quantum, Inc. to explore how quantum technology can improve network operations, optimize infrastructure planning, and support the company's growing AI-driven network initiatives.

The collaboration builds on AT&T's early work with D-Wave's annealing quantum computing platform, which is being integrated into tools that support the telecommunications provider's agentic AI capabilities. According to AT&T, these AI-powered systems have already helped reduce customer downtime by 12 million hours during 2025 by improving outage detection and management.

One of the first quantum-enabled applications focused on network optimization, where AT&T reported reducing processing time for a complex optimization workload from approximately one hour to less than 15 seconds. The company plans to evaluate additional use cases where quantum computing could accelerate decision-making and improve operational efficiency.

Future areas of exploration include outage detection and response, technician routing, network build planning, and traffic management. AT&T expects these capabilities could enable faster and more accurate planning as it continues expanding its converged fiber and 5G infrastructure to meet increasing AI-related network demands.

“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.

Baratz continues, “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 optimization, AT&T is also evaluating D-Wave's forthcoming gate-model quantum computing systems for potential applications in quantum security and quantum communications. The initiative aligns with AT&T's broader technology strategy, which combines artificial intelligence, automation, advanced analytics, software-defined infrastructure, and emerging computing technologies to modernize network operations.

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 of Data Science in AT&T's Chief Data Office.

Source: D-Wave Quantum, Inc.

Stay Connected with ISE Magazine 

Subscribe to our newsletters and magazine for the latest telecom insights, explore the current issue for in-depth features and strategies, and register for upcoming webinars to learn directly from industry leaders.