How D-Wave’s Quantum Tech Powers AT&T’s Agentic AI Solutions

AT&T has signed an agreement to expand its use of quantum computing technology from D-Wave Quantum, aiming to accelerate network optimization. In early tests, the company reduced the time needed for a key network processing task from roughly one hour to less than 15 seconds using D-Wave’s technology. This builds on existing agentic AI tools that reduced customer downtime by 12 million hours in 2025; AT&T now intends to apply quantum computing to a wider range of network operations including outage detection, technician routing, and traffic management. “AT&T’s work with D-Wave is a powerful example of how leading enterprises are beginning to use quantum computing for solving real business problems,” said Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave.

D-Wave Annealing Speeds AT&T Network Optimization

AT&T achieved a reduction in network optimization processing time to less than 15 seconds, a dramatic improvement over the prior one hour, by implementing D-Wave’s quantum technology into existing workflows. This initial success prompted a new agreement between the telecommunications giant and D-Wave Quantum to expand the application of quantum computing across a wider range of network operations, moving beyond speed gains to explore complex optimization challenges. The expanded collaboration will focus on four key areas: outage detection and management, technician routing, network build planning, and traffic management, indicating a strategic shift toward integrating quantum computing into core operational processes. AT&T plans to leverage D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology to accelerate planning and improve accuracy as it scales its fiber and 5G network to accommodate increasing demand driven by artificial intelligence.

Beyond annealing, AT&T is also evaluating D-Wave’s forthcoming gate-model systems for potential applications in quantum security and communications, signaling a long-term commitment to exploring the full potential of quantum technologies. Lucus Haugen, director, Data Science for AT&T’s Chief Data Office, stated that D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology gives them a new way to approach optimization and high-intensity compute challenges across AT&T’s network operations, adding that the speed they are seeing with D-Wave challenges current possibilities. Haugen suggests this speed could enable more real-time operations and a more efficient network modernization process.

AT&T is extending its quantum computing initiatives beyond initial optimization tests, integrating D-Wave Quantum’s technology into existing agentic AI tools already improving network performance. This speed improvement is not merely academic, but directly addresses the demands of a rapidly scaling converged fiber and 5G network designed to support increasing AI-driven data loads.