The theconnectivist article doesn't mention it, but the quantum network being discussed is a trusted node network. If two users on the network communicate, the

The theconnectivist article doesn't mention it, but the quantum network being discussed is a trusted node network. If two users on the network communicate, the central trusted hubs have access to the plain-text (There would have to be multiple interconnected trusted hubs to overcome distance limitations). Other, far better documented networks of this kind already exist (e.g. SECOQ). Trusted node networks are a viable option for corporations. Indeed, several European banks are already using IDQuantique turnkey systems, as mentioned in the article. These networks are not viable for private individuals, especially those who are not comfortable with entrusting their plaintext to the operator(s) of the trusted nodes. There are ways to build quantum repeater networks that do not require the use of trusted nodes, but these remain experimental because some of the underlying technologies needed to overcome distance limitations in such networks (e.g. Quantum memories) are still in their infancy. The quantum smart cards in this article do not even attempt to address this. Corporations interested in building a private trusted node quantum network similar to IDQuantique's offerings may want to look into these quantum smart cards. They are wildly inappropriate for civilian use however. Even plugging in directly to your local bank would require you to have a direct fiber link to a node under the control of that bank. This would be prohibitively expensive.