**Cyprus Takes Part in First Quantum-Secure Satellite Link with Greece**
Cyprus has recently established its first quantum-secure satellite data connection with Greece, marking a significant advancement in telecommunications security. This development was announced by Sparkle and Hellas Sat, two companies collaborating to enhance the protection of communications against evolving cyber threats.
The newly established connection links Sparkle’s data centre located in Metamorfosi, Athens, with Hellas Sat’s infrastructure in Cyprus. This initiative follows successful previous tests of a secure IPsec connection between data centres within Greece, paving the way for the current live satellite connection.
The quantum-secure satellite link involves data transmission that spans approximately 72,000 kilometers, encompassing the uplink from Cyprus to the satellite and the subsequent downlink to Greece. This project is notable as it represents the first application of quantum protection technology to a satellite connection between the two nations.
The technology employed in this connection is Sparkle’s Quantum Safe Interconnect (QSI). This system is specifically designed to safeguard sensitive information from the emerging threat of “store now, decrypt later,” where encrypted data may be intercepted and stored for future decryption by more advanced computing systems. QSI utilizes secure transmission methods and automatic switching of encryption keys, ensuring that data remains protected during its journey.
One of the key advantages of QSI is its software-based design, allowing for seamless integration with existing networks and security frameworks. This capability enables businesses to enhance their security measures across multiple locations without the necessity of overhauling their current infrastructure.
Antonella Sanguineti, Sparkle’s head of Networking, Cloud, Security & Identity Solutions, commented on the significance of this development, stating, “The extension of QSI to satellite communications with Hellas Sat demonstrates in practice that this technology can be applied everywhere, on terrestrial networks, satellites and across different environments.” She emphasized that this innovation opens new avenues for organizations requiring secure and resilient connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
For Cyprus, the establishment of this quantum-secure link is particularly vital due to Hellas Sat’s extensive satellite infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in providing communications services from the island. Constantinos Kassianides, director of Ground Operations at Hellas Sat, described this achievement as a milestone in their collaboration with Sparkle. He highlighted the potential for commercial applications of quantum-secure satellite services, especially for businesses operating in challenging and remote locations.
Hellas Sat operates three geostationary satellites, with two positioned at 39 degrees east, and has telecommunications facilities in both Greece and Cyprus. The company is licensed by the Greek and Cypriot governments for exclusive access to the 39 degrees east orbital position and its associated radio frequencies. Its infrastructure supports a wide range of satellite and terrestrial services for government and defense authorities globally.
Sparkle Greece, on the other hand, manages four data centres, including three in Attica and one in Chania, all interconnected through the Sparkle Group’s fibre-optic network. The company holds a significant share of the Greek cloud and data centre market and provides colocation, cloud, and international connectivity services to over 150 customers, including both domestic and multinational organizations.
The recent achievement not only builds on previous successful tests conducted in Greece earlier in 2026 but also underscores the country’s growing role in the development of next-generation telecommunications security technologies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, initiatives like the quantum-secure satellite link between Cyprus and Greece represent crucial steps towards safeguarding sensitive information and enhancing the resilience of communication networks in the region.