Nationwide expansion of the test network

KT has been operating a quantum cryptography communication test network and is now moving to extend it nationwide. Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses the principles of quantum mechanics to share encryption keys, with any eavesdropping attempt disturbing the quantum state and revealing the intrusion. The company's push to widen the test network is intended to lay the groundwork for commercial-grade quantum-safe communication services, though KT has not disclosed a specific timetable for the rollout.

The 15 km wireless challenge

A key element of the effort is a challenge to extend the wireless transmission distance of quantum cryptography to 15 km. Wireless QKD is more difficult to implement over long distances than fiber-based systems, as signals attenuate more readily in free space. Achieving the 15 km mark would allow quantum-secured keys to be shared between locations without dedicated fiber, expanding potential use cases to mobile networks and sites where fiber deployment is impractical. Details on the current status of the wireless trials and whether the 15 km target has yet been reached were not provided.

The nationwide expansion and the wireless distance milestone position KT as one of the active domestic players in quantum cryptography communication. The claim is True.