Credited with Completing 2 ITU-T Standards
KT is stepping up efforts to lead standardization of quantum cryptography communication technologies. KT is the only carrier to establish two standards in this field that have been approved by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).
KT is managing six of the 14 quantum technology standardization projects covered by ITU-T Study Group (SG) 13 (future network) and 17 (security). This means that KT is taking the lead in about 40 percent of all standardization R&D activities at the two study groups. Thus far, three standards have been completed, with one managed by SK Telecom and two by KT.
Quantum cryptographic communication is the only way to provide complete security. As quantum technologies use quanta to generate an encryption key, it is impossible to hack a quantum cryptographic communication system with current technology. If a third party attempts to intercept data in the middle, the value of a quantum is damaged, which makes data copying impossible.
Currently, there are 14 quantum technology standardization projects that have been promoted by the ITU-T. Among them, KT’s open hierarchical structure technology has been approved as the world's first international standard in the field of quantum cryptographic telecommunications. In addition, KT has also obtained preliminary approval on quantum cryptographic communication network technology.
The open hierarchical structure was proposed by KT in June 2018. After about a year of R&D and verification, it was confirmed as an international standard in October 2019.
The standardization work has opened the building a quantum cryptographic communication network to all interested companies, contributing to the expansion of the domestic ecosystem. Previously, foreign manufacturers such as Magic Q in the United States, Toshiba in Japan, and QuantumCtek in China, exclusively built such a network. However, through the standardization of open hierarchies, KT allowed Korean operators to participate freely in the construction of quantum cryptographic telecommunication networks.
Requirements for preliminarily approved quantum cryptographic telecommunication network technology include stable control and management methods for quantum cryptographic telecommunication networks based on KT's know-how in wired and wireless network operation management. The pre-approved standard will be adopted as the final standard if there is no objection after an adjustment of opinions among member countries.