Zayo to provide dark fiber to data-encryption company

BOULDER and BETHESDA — Quantum Xchange, a secure communications and encryption provider, is partnering with Zayo Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO) for dark fiber that will be used to provide the first Quantum Key Distribution, or QKD, network in the United States.

Zayo, based in Boulder, is providing access to almost 500 miles of existing optical fiber spanning from Boston to Washington, D.C. Quantum Xchange will use the dark fiber to activate the initial leg of its QKD network. QKD provides more secure data protection along fiber routes. Rather than use traditional encryption methods, such as mathematical…