SK Telecom has proved that it is a global 5G security company by establishing standards related to quantum cryptography communication at international organizations and starting ultra-cooperation regarding quantum ecosystem at GSMA.
SK Telecom made an announcement on March 31 that a technical report regarding 'Security Considerations for Quantum Key Distribution Network' that it proposed at ITU-T meeting that was held online from March 17 to 26 was finally approved as an international standard (TR.sec-qkd).
The adoption of the standard is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the quantum ecosystem given that governments and companies around the world have established standards that are common around the world at a time when they are highly interested in introducing quantum cryptography communication.
In particular, this standard is also the first Quantum Key Distribution-related standard completed by SG17 (Study Group 17), a professional research organization related to communications security within an authoritative international organization ITU-T.
The standards approved by SK Telecom this time are about security matters that need to be considered when applying quantum key distribution technology to telecommunication network.
SK Telecom has established global standards for security requirements that must be provided when transmitting quantum keys between telecommunication hubs that are located far away from each other, as well as the level of security required for telecommunication hubs that manage quantum key distribution.
SK Telecom said the results were made with its subsidiary IDQ, which is based in Switzerland. The two companies have been active in the global quantum cryptography communication ecosystem since they won a series of orders to build quantum cryptography communication in Europe and the U.S. last year.
Meanwhile, SK Telecom began bilateral super-cooperation on March 3 with global carriers, which are members of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA). With Telecom Italia, Telefonica and Ericsson, the company is discussing the impact of quantum technologies such as quantum computer and quantum cryptography communication on mobile operators.
SK Telecom is in charge of research on areas where quantum cryptography communication technology can be applied and prospects for future technology development. The results of the collaboration between SK Telecom and global telecom companies will be published in a white paper later.
"The adoption of this standard is the result of SK Telecom's long-term efforts to research and development of quantum cryptography communication technology to provide safe 5G services," said Kim Yoon, head of the AIX Center at SK Telecom. "SK Telecom will continue to take the lead in promoting quantum ecosystem such as global standards development and ultra-cooperation and strengthen bilateral leadership."
