LG Electronics and KT Forge Alliance to Accelerate Quantum Internet Development
South Korean tech giants LG Electronics and KT are joining forces to spearhead research and development in quantum internet technology, aiming to bolster future communications capabilities including 6G and beyond.
LG Electronics and KT have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly pursue core technologies in the burgeoning field of quantum internet communication. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of secure communication as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other advanced technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life.
The agreement, formalized at the KT Woomyeon Research Center in Seoul with key executives in attendance, will focus on building a super-secure network leveraging Quantum Direct Communication (QDC). Specific areas of collaboration include the development of quantum repeaters and network elements, establishing a robust quantum network verification environment, and actively contributing to domestic and international standardization efforts.
QDC utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics – overlap and entanglement – to transmit information with an unprecedented level of security. Unlike traditional communication methods, any attempt at interception or eavesdropping fundamentally alters the quantum state of the data, immediately alerting parties to the breach and preventing data theft. This inherent security is expected to be crucial for a wide range of applications, from personal communications to critical infrastructure protecting AI-powered homes, smart factories, and autonomous vehicles.
LG Electronics will leverage its existing communication technologies and capabilities to lead the development of core quantum internet communication technologies. The company recently published groundbreaking research in the journal Scientific Reports demonstrating innovative technology that simultaneously enhances security and transmission speed. This work was recognized as one of the Top 100 papers in physics for 2024 and ranked second overall in citation and attention within the quantum technology field, highlighting LG’s growing expertise.
KT will concentrate on developing the foundational quantum internet source technology and implementing system verification, drawing upon its experience in wired and wireless quantum key distribution (QKD) technology.
Building on prior joint research in 6G, this expanded partnership aims to revitalize both the 6G and domestic quantum technology ecosystems. The companies plan to foster collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors to accelerate the standardization and industrialization of quantum technology.
“Through this cooperation with LG Electronics, we expect to secure quantum Internet source technology and strengthen verification capabilities,” stated a senior official from KT’s Future Network Research Institute. “We will present the direction of quantum technology in future networks through the implementation of quantum Internet.”
According to a company release from LG Electronics, “Quantum Internet communication is a core technology that will become the foundation of the future communications industry. Through this cooperation, we will actively pursue research and development that will bring the technology to fruition, and secure leading technological competitiveness in the global market.”
This strategic alliance positions LG Electronics and KT at the forefront of a technological revolution poised to redefine the future of secure communication and data transmission.
