An Operator's View on Opportunities and Challenges of Quantum Internet of Things

The quantum technology industry has seen remarkable progress in quantum computing, leading to increased attention and investment from both the public and private sectors. This growth extends to quantum communication and quantum sensing as well, offering promising breakthroughs in the near future. Integrating quantum technologies into existing optical communication networks is becoming feasible, and quantum sensors are recognized as revolutionary tools for high-precision sensing applications like metrology, imaging, positioning, and navigation. This advancement sets the stage for the Quantum Internet of Things (QIoT). However, deploying QIoT successfully requires understanding and addressing various implementation challenges. This paper introduces potential QIoT use cases and discusses the current state-of-the-art technologies and challenges from the perspective of telecom network operators.