Singtel to develop Singapore’s first Nationwide Quantum Safe Network Plus for enterprises

Partners ID Quantique will deploy advanced quantum safe technologies and solutions for stronger data and network security

Singapore, 30 November 2023

Singtel today announced that it will be developing Singapore’s first Nationwide Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) for enterprises, in partnership with global industry leader, ID Quantique (IDQ). Singtel was appointed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to develop the network as part of the nation’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which outlines the next round of its digital connectivity up to 2030, including the aim to be quantum safe in ten years.

To be launched in mid 2024, the network will employ modern quantum-safe technologies such as quantum key distribution, which is a secure method for distributing encryption keys only known between shared parties, and post quantum cryptography – a new, advanced form of encryption algorithms that are secure against attacks from quantum computers.

The Quantum Safe Network will leverage Singtel’s managed network services and fibre network with selected exchanges stipulated as trusted nodes to establish a reliable, secure and resilient nationwide quantum key distribution network. This enables enterprises to secure their communications across the island and extends quantum-safe security to new use cases and applications such as identity, mobility and authentication services.

Mr Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Singtel Singapore, said, “With Quantum Computing gaining traction and potentially used as a threat vector by malicious actors to attack classical (traditional) encryption it is imperative that organisations update their critical assets to safeguard their information and boost their cyber resilience. With Singtel’s nationwide quantum-safe network for enterprises, Singapore’s first, we are securing our data networks from advanced quantum threats for our customers and giving them easy access to solutions to safeguard their critical data in the quantum age. We’re also laying the foundation for becoming a regional hub for quantum computing as well as a launchpad for new leading-edge innovations and applications. We encourage enterprises and the industry to co-create these possibilities with us.”

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, Singtel and IDQ will incorporate Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum-Safe Key Management solutions from IDQ into Singtel’s network and co-develop a bigger talent pool with deep expertise in design, solutioning, engineering and operations of Quantum-Safe Networks. With established governance frameworks and processes, proven monitoring and management platforms, coupled with skilled and technical personnel, Singtel will bring its innate expertise and personnel resources to design, build, develop and operate the quantum-safe network. Together, the partners will also develop industrial and government use cases to drive adoption and scale to mutually agreed countries of interest, among other conditions.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Singtel to launch Singapore’s first commercial Quantum-Safe Networks service. With our suite of quantum-safe solutions underpinned by state-of-the-art QKD and quantum key management platform and Singtel’s high quality fibre infrastructure, we are committed to support Singtel in developing local expertise in Quantum communications and enable Quantum-Safe Networks for a safe and strong digital economy in Singapore. The partnership is already bearing fruits with a strong roadmap bringing in innovations and providing new services to Singtel’s customers.”

Grégoire Ribordy, CEO and co-founder, ID Quantique

Dr Ong Chen Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, BizTech Group, IMDA, said, “We are excited to kickstart the launch of Southeast Asia’s first quantum-safe network infrastructure to help both businesses and government agencies tap on quantum-safe technologies. IMDA’s NQSN+ will help to realise Singapore’s vision of a quantum-safe nation, building our nation’s capabilities in this space. IMDA will continue to work with industry partners and government agencies to create a quantum safe nation.”

Singtel’s Quantum Safe Network is part of its domestic network offerings which are built and engineered to secure business-critical data and provide enhanced security for the data network and flexibility as a managed service. To find out more about Singtel’s network, visit Singtel Domestic Network.

 

About Singtel

Singtel is Asia’s leading communications technology group, providing a portfolio of services from next-generation communication, 5G and technology services to infotainment to both consumers and businesses. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 770 million mobile customers in 21 countries. Its infrastructure and technology services for businesses span 21 countries, with more than 428 direct points of presence in 362 cities.

For consumers, Singtel delivers a complete and integrated suite of services, including mobile, broadband and TV. For businesses, Singtel offers a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics and cyber security capabilities.

Singtel is dedicated to continuous innovation, harnessing technology to create new and exciting customer experiences and shape a more sustainable, digital future.

For more information, visit www.singtel.com.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SingtelNews.

 

Media Contacts:

Malini Nathan
Director

Group Strategic Communications and Brand, Singtel
Mobile: +65 8129 6013
Email: malini.nathan@singtel.com

Joel Chan
Manager

Group Strategic Communications and Brand, Singtel
Mobile: +65 9648 6978
Email: joel.chan@singtel.com

 

About ID Quantique

Founded in 2001 as a spin-off of the Group of Applied Physics of the University of Geneva, ID Quantique is the world leader in quantum-safe crypto solutions, designed to protect data for the future. The company provides quantum-safe network encryption, secure quantum key generation and Quantum Key Distribution solutions and services to the financial industry, enterprises and government organizations globally. IDQ’s quantum random number generator has been validated according to global standards and independent agencies, and is the reference in highly regulated and mission critical industries – such as security, encryption, critical infrastructure and IoT – where trust is paramount.

Additionally, IDQ is a leading provider of optical instrumentation products, most notably photon counters and related electronics. The company’s innovative photonic solutions are used in both commercial and research applications.

IDQ’s products are used by government, enterprise and academic customers in more than 60 countries and on every continent. IDQ is proud of its independence and neutrality, and believes in establishing long-term and trusted relationships with its customers and partners.

For more information, please visit www.idquantique.com.

 

Media info:

Catherine Simondi
VP Marketing & Communications

Phone: +41 22 545 36 45
Email: catherine.simondi@idquantique.com