IonQ shares rose two and a half percent on Monday after the company announced a major new deal. It has signed an agreement to buy Skyloom Global, a company known for its advanced optical communication systems. This move is meant to strengthen IonQ’s quantum secure communication network.
Skyloom’s technology could make a big difference. IonQ says the optical links from Skyloom may increase data speeds by up to five times. They also expect a dramatic drop in latency. Tasks that currently take several hours could be completed in less than one hour after the integration.
Skyloom was founded in twenty seventeen. It builds optical terminals that allow satellites to send data to each other and down to Earth using laser communication. The company is preparing to deliver nearly ninety terminals for U.S. Space Development Agency missions by twenty twenty five.
IonQ’s CEO, Niccolo de Masi, said this acquisition speeds up the company’s progress. He explained that strong optical links are essential for quantum secure communications and the future of quantum networking. He also said these systems will be key for building distributed quantum entanglement across long distances.
When the deal closes, Skyloom CEO Marc Eisenberg will begin reporting to Frank Backes, who leads IonQ’s quantum infrastructure division.
This purchase is part of a wider strategy. IonQ has recently acquired Qubitekk, Capella Space, Lightsynq, and most of ID Quantique. The company is building a full stack platform for secure quantum communication.
The transaction will be finalized once all the usual regulatory steps are completed.