IonQ and EPB launch quantum communications center News | August 4, 2026 By Asma AdhimiIonQ and Chattanooga utility and communications provider EPB are establishing the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center, a new laboratory designed to test quantum networking technology on a live fiber-optic network. The partners say the facility will become the first dedicated quantum communications R&D center to connect directly to an operational network. Building a regional quantum networkThe project expands an existing collaboration between IonQ and EPB at the EPB Quantum Center. That facility operates the EPB Quantum Network and is preparing an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer for commercial deployment. EPB plans to use the new research center to help interconnect quantum computers, research nodes and commercial facilities.