KT to Lead 6G Market... Developing Hacking-Proof Technology for the Quantum Era [MWC On-site]

Quantum Encryption Key Generation Achieves Top Domestic Speed
Dual Security System Created by Combining with Confidential Computing

KT is taking the lead in securing dominance in the 6G market, the next-generation communication technology, by leveraging quantum security technology.

On the 3rd (local time), KT announced at the 'Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025' held in Barcelona, Spain, that it has selected satellite communication, quantum technology, and AI networks as core technologies for the 6G era and is working to secure related technologies. In particular, it is focusing on next-generation security systems utilizing quantum technology.

Lee Won-yeol, Head of Access Network Research at KT's Future Network Research Institute in the Network Division, emphasized, "As quantum computer technology advances, most of the currently used encryption can be broken," adding, "Our basic strategy is that the threat of quantum computers can only be defended with quantum technology."

Since 2019, KT has formed an in-house development team to independently develop Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology and has transferred this technology to domestic companies. Recently, it raised the quantum encryption key generation speed to 150kbps, achieving the highest level in Korea. The goal is to establish a security system that makes eavesdropping itself impossible by utilizing the physical properties of quantum mechanics.

Additionally, KT highlighted the importance of the 'Quantum Secure Cloud' service, which is protected by quantum encryption combined with confidential computing. It provides a dual security system where the communication segment is protected by quantum encryption, and confidential computing safeguards the cloud environment.

Moreover, as the only operator in Korea possessing satellite communication, KT plans to strengthen 'network survivability' that remains uninterrupted even in disaster and emergency situations by building a three-dimensional non-terrestrial network (NTN) using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO), low earth orbit satellites (LEO), and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). Last September, KT demonstrated the world's first technology to interconnect the Mugunghwa Satellite No. 6 with the 5G NTN standard.

To secure these technologies, KT is collaborating with KT SAT, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Nex1, and others, and is promoting quantum encryption demonstrations and projects in security-critical areas such as national defense.

Lee stated, "KT is preparing a 6G network that can contribute not only to digital innovation in daily life and across industries but also to enhanced social responsibilities of communication services such as disaster and emergency preparedness, customer information protection, and carbon neutrality implementation," emphasizing, "Satellite, quantum communication, and AI technologies are key to realizing this."