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Work item:
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Incubated XSTR.qs-IMT2030
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Subject/title:
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Technical Report: Benefits and challenges of technical approaches for quantum-safe IMT2030 networks
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Status:
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Under study
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Approval process:
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Agreement
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Type of work item:
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Technical report
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Version:
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New
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Equivalent number:
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-
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Timing:
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2028-Q2 (Medium priority)
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Liaison:
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ITU-T SG13
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Supporting members:
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China Telecom; CAICT; China Unicom
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Summary:
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Quantum computing is evolving rapidly. By leveraging quantum mechanical properties such as superposition and entanglement, quantum computing achieves polynomial or exponential speedup compared to classical computing. A mature quantum computer would be capable of compromising traditional cryptographic systems. The industry and risk assessment institutions generally converge the risk window when quantum computers will be capable of breaking the existing cryptosystem around 2030, which overlaps with the deployment timeline of the IMT2030 networks. Furthermore, IMT2030 network system will connect a massive number of devices and contain a significant volume of sensitive information that requires long-term protection, such as personally identifiable information and critical infrastructure data. Quantum computing could harvest the historical data first and decrypt later.
Various security protocols and mechanisms are typically employed in the current telecommunication systems, such as TLS/SSL and DTLS at the transport layer, and IPSec at the network layer. The main security mechanisms of these protocols are fundamentally built upon public-key cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC, which is vulnerable to the quantum computing attack. Therefore, to address the security challenges posed by quantum computing and protect the IMT2030 communication system, it is crucial to research quantum-safe technologies.
By analyzing the key drivers for quantum-safe IMT2030 networks, the research necessities are identified. The proposed new work item aims to provide comprehensive analysis for the technical approaches to defend against quantum computing threats for IMT2030 networks and gives implications for the following standardization activity. The proposed Technical Report will serve as a valuable guide for quantum-safe IMT2030 systems, ensuring the long-term resilience.
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Comment:
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-
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Reference(s):
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Historic references:
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Contact(s):
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First registration in the WP:
2026-06-10 14:42:54
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Last update:
2026-07-17 17:33:10
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