UANTUM communications is a relatively new field in which nonclassical quantum effects are used to implement communications tasks that would not be possible classically. Examples of possible applications include cryptography using quantum key distribution (QKD), secret sharing among distant parties, increased channel capacity using super dense coding, or using the quantum internet to connect distributed elements of a quantum computer. Recent experimental developments, including teleportation and linear optics, have significantly advanced the field of quantum communications, bringing it closer to practical reality. This issue contains a selection of papers that describe research in a number of areas that are relevant to quantum communications. The papers may be divided into four general categories: 1) basic concepts, 2) probabilistic models, 3) basic hardware devices, and 4) possible implementations of a quantum internet. In particular, the last paper in this issue broadens the discussion