Singapore unveils plans for quantum-safe network infrastructure

Singtel, and a SPTel and SpeQtral partnership, have submitted proposals to become network operators.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has announced the launch of the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+), which aims to delivering quantum-safe communications across Singapore.

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that uses the principles of quantum physics. It is expected to unlock advancements in raw computing power, simulation, and optimisation in spurring innovation and revolutionising industries, said the Asia Tech x Singapore event and IMDA said in a joint statement.

NQSN+ will support network operators to deploy quantum-safe networks nationwide, with the goal of helping businesses have easy access to solutions to safeguard their critical data.

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Two network operators will kickstart NQSN+ with each building a nationwide, interoperable quantum safe network. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is currently evaluating two proposals for aspiring operators: one from Singtel, and from a joint partnership between SPTel and SpeQtral, and is evaluating these proposals.

Once operational, NQSN+ will be Southeast Asia’s first quantum-safe network infrastructure. 

The NQSN+ is part of the Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint launched by Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo on Monday, 5 June, which outlines the next bound of Singapore’s digital connectivity up to 2030.