Stellar is stepping up its quantum-readiness efforts, and the latest Bell upgrade could mark another important milestone in the network’s long-term security strategy. As concerns grow over the potential threat quantum computing poses to blockchain technology, Stellar’s push to prepare for the next generation of computing could strengthen its appeal as a forward-looking blockchain ecosystem. But what does this development mean for XLM, and could it become a long-term bullish catalyst for the cryptocurrency’s price?
Stellar’s Quantum Game Plan Is Taking Shape
In a recent X post , Stellar outlined the goals of its upcoming Bell Protocol upgrade, highlighting plans to support business-ready smart accounts at scale, begin work on quantum-safe signatures, and improve ledger performance.
The upgrade is expected next month, with November 3 and November 23, 2026, emerging as potential testnet and mainnet activation dates, respectively. If implemented as planned, the upgrade could mark an important step in Stellar’s long-term push to strengthen its infrastructure and prepare for emerging security challenges.
Introducing Bell (Protocol 30).
Bell is designed to make smart accounts ready for businesses at scale and begin work on quantum-safe signatures and faster ledgers.
Testnet upgrade: Nov 3
Mainnet upgrade: Nov 23
Learn more in the upgrade guide https://t.co/vjS0vLy7rT
— Stellar | Meridian Oct 28-29 (@StellarOrg) October 20, 2026
Powerful quantum computers could eventually undermine elliptic-curve cryptography, a foundational security technology used by most blockchains and many internet systems. Google has set 2029 as its target for transitioning its systems to quantum-resistant cryptography and has urged the wider industry, including blockchain networks, to prepare for the same deadline. Against this backdrop, Stellar (XLM) is advancing its own quantum-readiness strategy to strengthen long-term security as the technology evolves.
In June 2026, Stellar introduced its Quantum Preparedness Plan (QPP), outlining its strategy to transition the network toward quantum-safe cryptography. The initiative reflects Stellar’s efforts to address potential future threats from quantum computing while strengthening the network’s long-term security and resilience.
Under Stellar’s quantum roadmap, every account is expected to be able to add a quantum-safe signer through a native protocol upgrade by the end of 2027, without changing its existing address or transaction history. Meanwhile, enterprise wallets could begin adopting quantum-safe signing as early as 2026 through Soroban smart contract accounts, allowing businesses to prepare for emerging quantum threats ahead of the broader network transition.
Stellar’s Quantum Readiness Could Become a Major Long-Term Catalyst for XLM
Stellar has secured several notable partnerships, including an initiative with the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to support integrating and distributing tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). According to DeFiLlama data, Stellar hosts approximately $3 billion in RWA assets, roughly six times the value of its $488 million stablecoin market.
Meanwhile, XLM was trading at $0.1839 at the time of writing, up 4.7% on the day as the broader crypto market rebounded. Looking ahead, Stellar’s Quantum Preparedness Plan could further strengthen the network’s long-term appeal by enhancing account security and preparing its infrastructure for potential quantum computing threats. While the upgrade won’t guarantee an immediate price rally, improved security and growing real-world asset adoption could strengthen the long-term bullish case for XLM.
