SK Telecom Leads Quantum Cryptography Communication Standards with European Standardization Organization

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] SK Telecom announced on the 5th that the "Quantum Cryptography Communication Network Integrated Management Specification Standardization Proposal," jointly proposed with its subsidiary IDQ, has been adopted as a standardization task by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which leads the standardization of quantum cryptography communication.

Since quantum cryptography communication networks are built in parallel with optical communication networks, it is essential for telecom operators to manage both networks integrally. This task involves developing a standard for the interface (SDN Orchestration Interface) that includes the software-defined network (SDN) controlling quantum cryptography communication into the telecom operator's overall network integrated management.

SK Telecom will lead the standardization as the task leader, or "Rapporteur." Once the standard is completed, technical barriers for telecom operators to integrally manage the two networks when introducing quantum cryptography communication networks will be alleviated, which is expected to activate the commercialization of quantum cryptography communication. In the event of hacking attempts on quantum cryptography communication networks, it will also be easier to immediately detect and connect to a new optimal secure route.

ETSI, with over 900 member companies from 65 countries worldwide centered in Europe, standardizes all ICT fields including wired and wireless communication, radio waves, broadcasting, software, and ICT convergence technologies.

Jongkwan Park, head of SK Telecom's 5GX Technology Group, said, "SK Telecom is leading the global standardization of quantum cryptography communication at major global standardization organizations such as ETSI and ITU-T," adding, "We will develop quantum cryptography communication technology applicable not only to 5G but also to 6G."