The GSMA, at last week's MWC Las Vegas, announced the formation of the GSMA Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce, to help define policy, regulation and operator business processes for the enhanced protection of telecommunications in a future of advanced quantum computing.
IBM, one of the two initial members of the taskforce alongside Vodafone, and a leader in cryptography and pioneer in quantum technology, contributed to the development of three of NIST’s four chosen post-quantum algorithms, which were established in July 2022 as a key cybersecurity measure for quantum computing. Without quantum-safe controls in place, sensitive information such as confidential business information and consumer data could be at risk from attackers who harvest present-day data for later decryption.
The GSMA Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce will convene to drive consensus and adoption in the quantum computing field and it will be oriented across three areas, namely:
- Strategy, to integrate quantum-safe capabilities into telco network operators’ technology, business processes and security
- Standardisation, to identify the needs and common alignments for the integration of quantum-safe capabilities into existing telco networks
- Policy, to advise on telco network public policy, regulation and compliance and to ensure scale across the industry
Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA
The GSMA Taskforce’s goal is to bring together leading global communication services providers with experts from IBM, Vodafone and other operators and ecosystem partners to understand and implement quantum-safe technology. By working together to establish consistent policies, we can define quantum-safe approaches that protect critical infrastructure and customer data, complementing our ongoing security efforts to increase resiliency in future networks.
Scott Crowder, Vice President, IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development
Given the accelerated advancements of quantum computing, data and systems secured with today’s encryption could become insecure in a matter of years. IBM is pleased to work with the GSMA Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce members to prioritize the telco industry’s move to adopt quantum-safe technology.
