The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Board has recently approved the creation of a new Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies (TC QT), marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to advancing the underlying framework of standards for quantum technologies across numerous quantum-related domains.
The committee will primarily be tasked with developing specifications that address quantum communications and quantum networks across multiple sectors, deploying quantum-based solutions to lay the foundations for secure global communications networks.
“The new TC QT reflects ETSI’s proactive approach to shaping the future of quantum-based secure global communications. ETSI already has extensive expertise in quantum technologies, having established the first group on Quantum Key Distribution in 2008,” said Mark Pecen of EigenQ, who will convene the initial kick-off meeting scheduled for December 2025.
Key Areas of Activity:
- Quantum Communications: Secure data transmission using quantum principles like superposition and entanglement.
- Quantum Networking: Connecting quantum systems for distributed computing and cryptography.
- Quantum Sensing: Enabling ultra-precise measurements for quantum communication networks.
- Satellite Quantum Communications: Standardising beacon signals, interfaces, and security for space-based quantum systems.
- Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs): Generating true randomness for secure applications.
- Quantum Security: Establishing methodologies to assess hardware vulnerabilities and side-channel attack risks.
The news comes as ETSI hosts “Looking ahead to the Next Decade of European Quantum Ambition” tomorrow, October 1, in Brussels.
ETSI’s director-general Jan Ellsberger (whom ip fray interviewed: June 30, 2025 ip fray article) will be speaking at the event, highlighting the strategic importance of standardization and outlining ETSI’s contributions to Quantum Key Distribution.
With many standards already published and several others in progress, ETSI is well-positioned to strengthen Europe’s leadership in global standardisation.