Quantum-secured optical channels based on Quantum Key Distribution technology have generated a significant global interest. Although the maturity level of the short distance (less than 100km) quantum-secured channels is at a deployment level, instituting such channels over long distance faces technological challenges, which is the subject of a world-wide research. In this article an industry perspective on the future deployment of long-distance quantum-secured optical channels in operational environments will be discussed, including the vision, requirements, and R&D activities in both terrestrial and satellite-based methodologies.
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