LG Electronics and KT to Collaborate on Quantum Internet Communication R&D

LG Electronics and KT are joining forces to conduct joint research and development in the field of Quantum Internet, a core technology drawing attention as the foundation of future communications. The two companies aim to secure key technologies in this area.
LG Electronics and KT announced on the 29th that they have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint R&D and technological cooperation in Quantum Internet. The signing ceremony, held at the KT Umyeon Research Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was attended by Je Young-ho, Head of C&M Standard Research Institute at LG Electronics, Jongsik Lee, Director of Future Network Research Institute at KT, and other executives from both companies.
The two companies will collaborate on building a highly secure network based on Quantum Direct Communication (QDC). Their joint efforts will include the development of quantum repeaters and network component technologies, establishing verification and demonstration environments for Quantum Networks, and responding to domestic and international standardization as well as fostering the quantum technology ecosystem.
Quantum Direct Communication (QDC) transmits information using quantum information units such as qubits. By leveraging quantum properties like superposition and entanglement, QDC offers a dramatically higher level of security compared to conventional communication technologies. If any attempt at illegal wiretapping or eavesdropping occurs during the transmission of data encoded in quantum states, the quantum state collapses, fundamentally preventing data theft.
Beyond personal communications, QDC is expected to provide robust data security for future converged communication services where interaction between machines and humans is essential, such as AI-powered smart homes, robot-based smart factories, and autonomous vehicles.
LG Electronics plans to lead the development of core technologies for Quantum Internet, leveraging its accumulated expertise and foundational technologies in communications. KT will be responsible for developing and demonstrating Quantum Internet foundational technologies and systems, utilizing its experience in both wired and wireless Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and related demonstrations.
Following their collaboration on 6G R&D last year, the two companies are expanding their partnership into Quantum Internet. They aim to invigorate the domestic quantum technology ecosystem, strengthen public-private-academic cooperation, and lay the groundwork for the standardization and industrialization of quantum technologies.
Je Young-ho, Head of C&M Standard Research Institute at LG Electronics CTO Division, stated, “Quantum Internet is a core technology that will form the foundation of the future communications industry. Through this collaboration, we will actively pursue research and development to bring the technology closer to reality and secure leading technological competitiveness in the global market.”
Jongsik Lee, Director of Future Network Research Institute at KT, commented, “Through this partnership with LG Electronics, we expect to secure core technologies for Quantum Internet and strengthen our demonstration capabilities. By realizing Quantum Internet, we will help define the direction of quantum technology in future networks.”

solidkjy@fnnews.com Gu Ja-yoon Reporter