Sparkle and Hellas Sat Successfully Deploy Quantum Security Between Their Data Centers
With this innovative Proof of Concept (PoC), realized between two data centers in Greece, Sparkle demonstrated the ability to secure data transfers using an IP Sec Tunnel protected with quantum-safe encryption
Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, and Hellas Sat, a leading satellite operator with three geostationary satellites and two teleport facilities in Greece and Cyprus, announce the successful completion of a Proof of Concept (PoC) between the operators’ data centers in Greece, protected with quantum-safe encryption.
The PoC, carried out over a secure Internet Protocol (IPsec) tunnel, demonstrated how Sparkle’s QSI approach can be integrated into a standard IPsec environment. This enables quantum-safe key delivery and automated key rotation while preserving existing security policies and operational practices, leveraging Hellas Sat’s high-performance infrastructure.
This important step validates a quantum-safe Virtual Private Network (VPN), designed to protect sensitive data against “store now, decrypt later” and future quantum-enabled threats. As a software-based solution, QSI can be adopted within existing network and security infrastructures, supporting scalable deployment across multi-site environments and enabling the gradual evolution of secure connectivity over time.
Building on this first achievement, the two companies will continue collaborating to explore quantum-safe connectivity in satellite-related scenarios, leveraging Hellas Sat’s satellite infrastructure to expand QSI’s applicability to additional operational use cases.
Launched in 2024 as “Quantum Safe over Internet,” the solution has been renamed Quantum Safe Interconnect (QSI) to reflect its evolution from a single connectivity model to a broader, interoperable quantum-safe capability applicable across multiple network layers and deployment scenarios.
“Our state-of-the-art global network provides critical services to carriers, institutions and enterprises who choose and trust Sparkle’s leading secure connectivity services to keep their data safe”, said Antonella Sanguineti, Head of Networking, Cloud, Security & Identity Solutions at Sparkle. “The completion of this PoC with Hellas Sat, and the expansion of our collaboration into satellite-oriented scenarios, anticipates the potential threat of quantum decryption and confirms our commitment to continuously elevating the security and resilience of Sparkle’s infrastructure.”
“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. “Our collaboration with Sparkle allows us to explore advanced security solutions and further strengthen the value of our services, while confidently preparing for the future evolution of satellite communications.”
This PoC further confirms Greece’s central role as a real-world hub for the experimentation and development of next-generation security solutions. In 2024, Athens hosted a successful Sparkle PoC for quantum key distribution over a live fiber network, followed in 2025 by a live demonstration of Quantum Safe over Internet multi-site connectivity between Barcelona and Athens, confirming Greece’s growing importance in driving innovation across the European telecom ecosystem.
About Hellas Sat
Established in 2001, Hellas Sat is a European satellite operator delivering resilient and secure satellite communications services on a global scale. Licensed by the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus, the company holds the exclusive rights to operate the 39° East orbital position. Hellas Sat owns and operates a fleet of three geostationary satellites, supported by two advanced teleports located in Greece and Cyprus. Leveraging this fully integrated space and ground infrastructure, Hellas Sat provides high-reliability connectivity, broadcasting, and mission-critical services to enterprise, government, and defense customers worldwide.
Hellas Sat Media Contacts:
mediaoffice@hellas-sat.net
www.hellas-sat.net
Sparkle Media Contacts
sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com
X: @TISparkle