# AT&T expands D-Wave quantum network optimization partnership > Source: > Published: 2026-07-30 10:09:22+00:00 AT&T expanded its agreement with D-Wave Quantum to apply quantum computing to complex network optimization challenges. In an early application, AT&T reduced the processing time for a network optimization workload from about one hour to less than 15 seconds using D-Wave's annealing quantum technology. According to D-Wave, AT&T now plans to apply the technology to additional optimization challenges across its network operations, such as outage detection and response, technician routing, network build planning and traffic management. AT&T's initial focus is on integrating D-Wave's annealing quantum computing technology into the tools already powering its agentic AI solutions. AT&T said its agentic AI tools reduced customer downtime by 12 million hours in 2025 through improvements to network operations, including outage detection and management. Unlike general-purpose gate-model quantum computers, annealing systems are optimized for solving problems such as scheduling, routing and resource allocation. “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, data science director for AT&T’s Chief Data Office. “The speed we’re seeing with D-Wave challenges what’s currently possible. It has the potential to help us optimize faster, increase efficiency and scale more real-time operations, making quantum a practical tool for advancing how we run and modernize our network.” Beyond annealing systems, AT&T is assessing D-Wave's forthcoming gate-model quantum computers for applications including quantum security and quantum communications. The work forms part of the carrier's wider strategy to modernize network operations using technologies such as AI, automation, advanced analytics, and software-defined infrastructure. “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 D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz. “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.” The announcement adds to a growing number of telecom projects exploring quantum computing for operational network optimization alongside AI and automation, rather than focusing solely on quantum security. AT&T and D-Wave were approached for additional details about the network optimization workload used in the initial deployment but had not responded by publication.