ETSI Launches New Quantum Tech Committee for Secure Communications
ETSI has launched a new Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies (TC QT) to drive the development of standards for quantum communications and networks. The committee aims to address fragmentation in quantum key distribution (QKD) and establish interoperable standards that reflect the realities of production, deployment, and end-user service.
TC QT will focus on developing specifications for secure quantum communications across diverse sectors. To ensure compliance, the committee plans to establish testbeds to validate quantum devices before full-scale deployment. The standards drafted by TC QT will form the technical backbone of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).
ETSI invites a wide variety of stakeholders, including manufacturers, deployers, and end-user service providers, to collaborate in working groups. TC QT's work aligns with the European Quantum Act and the European Chips Act, supporting regulatory compliance and funding mechanisms. The committee also plans to collaborate with ETSI's Software Development Groups to transform research outcomes into practical software modules.
The creation of TC QT reflects the growing importance of quantum technologies in reshaping security, computation, and connectivity. By fostering collaboration and developing interoperable standards, TC QT aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum communications and networks, ultimately enabling the promise of quantum advantage.
