China's first quantum communication network for commercial use is expected to come into service by the end of August in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

Quantum communication uses the quantum entanglement of photons to ensure the security of communications, since the sender and receiver sharing an encryption key and any interference is detectable and would corrupt the signal.

According to Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, a quantum communication network connecting government bodies in Jinan had been tested and performed well.

In the test, the network transmitted data with quantum encryption keys among nearly 200 terminals in the city. The success of the test is a landmark in the development of quantum communication technology worldwide, and paves the way for its commercial use.

China is playing a leading role in the development of quantum communication technology.

A quantum communication network, linking Beijing, Jinan, Shanghai and Hefei, in East China's Anhui province, is under construction, and quantum communication technology is expected to be introduced in finance, energy and other sectors in the near future.