Singtel has launched Southeast Asia’s first nationwide quantum-safe network that businesses can try out to shield them from future cybersecurity threats expected in the next five to 10 years.
The Singapore-based telecom operator’s network is part of its domestic network offerings and supports a range of network and security devices for secure communications across the country. Additionally, the network expands the use cases of quantum-safe security to include identity, mobility, and authentication services.
Singtel is kicking off a pilot programme that includes workshops to drive awareness, testbeds to validate interoperability and live trials to gain insights into network behaviour, evaluate operational aspects, and experience comprehensive end-to-end managed services.
This, according to Singtel, will assist and guide businesses to take on a risk-free and smooth integration of novel quantum-safe technologies. In addition, it says it will work with businesses to create customised quantum-safe use cases for each sector.
“Though quantum computing may be in its nascent stages, it’s fast gaining velocity across critical information sectors, especially banking, healthcare and government services, and we want to ensure Singapore is ready for it,” said Ng Tian Chong, chief executive officer for Singtel Singapore.
“That’s why we specially curated this programme to equip enterprises with the relevant skills and knowledge so they can take the necessary steps to future-proof their critical networks against potential quantum threats,” he added, in an announcement last week.
Singapore’s quantum tech push
As an early adopter, Singapore is implementing quantum-safe technology to protect its digital infrastructure from potential quantum attacks.
While quantum computers are expected to transform various industries by enhancing computational capabilities, simulation techniques, and optimising, they also pose security risks by compromising many existing encryption algorithms.
The country’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) last year appointed two network operators—Singtel and SPTel, together with SpeQtral—to develop Singapore’s National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) to fortify country’s resilience against quantum threats in the next decade.
Each network operator is to construct a quantum-safe, countrywide network that is interoperable and suitable for all types of companies.
To remain secure in the quantum era, businesses can collaborate with NQSN+ operators to incorporate quantum-safe technologies like Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
According to IMDA, NQSN+ will work towards integration with quantum-ready networks from other countries, allowing organisations to deploy quantum-safe solutions across global markets.
Singapore is also working to support the standardisation of quantum security technologies. IMDA, together with the nation’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) and NQSN team, are working with Japan to establish a QKD protocol framework at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
