Two quantum cryptography technologies adopted for international standardization.
| International standardization efforts are also accelerating, including quantum random number generators.
Building a Quantum Cryptography Ecosystem with 15 Companies
SK Telecom announced on the 7th that two new quantum cryptography communication technologies proposed at the ITU-T meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, were adopted as international standardization tasks.

The ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) is a subsidiary of the ITU, the world's leading international telecommunications organization. It sets standards in the communications sector. Technologies adopted for international standardization become global standards after discussion in dozens of ITU-T member countries.

The two new technologies adopted at this ITU-T meeting are ▲a system for utilizing quantum key distribution in a communication network (which defines the requirements for operating a quantum key distribution system in a communication network) and ▲a method for utilizing existing encryption systems for quantum key distribution (which defines a method for configuring a security system by providing quantum keys to existing encryption equipment). Both technologies are essential for applying quantum cryptography to communications networks.

SK Telecom announced and received approval for the final standards for ▲security framework for quantum key distribution in communication networks (which defines the method of distributing quantum keys and applying security technologies such as data encryption to improve communication security) and ▲quantum random number generator security structure (which defines the structure of QRNG that generates highly secure random numbers), which were adopted as international standardization tasks by the ITU-T in September 2018.

With the recent adoption of two additional international standardization projects, SK Telecom now carries out a total of four international standardization projects related to quantum cryptography technology within the ITU-T alone. SK Telecom is the only company in the world to have carried out four or more international standardization projects related to quantum cryptography communications.

This achievement is the result of SK Telecom's long-term efforts to advance quantum cryptography technology. In 2016, SK Telecom became the first in the world to apply quantum cryptography to LTE backhaul between Sejong and Daejeon. In 2017, it developed the world's smallest (5x5mm) quantum random number generator (QRNG) chip. In 2018, it acquired IDQ, the world's leading quantum cryptography company.

SK Telecom, representing South Korea, is pioneering the quantum cryptography ecosystem by partnering with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2013, SK Telecom spearheaded the establishment of the Quantum Information and Communication Research Association, Korea's first quantum cryptography research institute. Of the association's 15 member companies, 12 are SMEs. SK Telecom plans to develop core quantum cryptography technologies with small and medium-sized enterprises and create new value, thereby contributing to the national economy.

Park Jin-hyo, head of SK Telecom's ICT Technology Center, said, "The fact that SK Telecom is carrying out the most global standardization projects for quantum cryptography communication means that SK Telecom's technological prowess has been recognized worldwide," and added, "We will strengthen our quantum leadership by taking the lead in developing global standards and expanding the ecosystem in the future."