"Think about autonomous vehicles as being hacked, and the easiest way to do it in the future is to be an autonomous vehicle. Crypto communication will block the hacking in the future.”

SK Telecom has succeeded in developing the world`s smallest and cheapest `quantum random number generation chip`. SK Telecom also mentioned that it will enter overseas quantum telecommunications business in order to preempt the global quantum cryptographic communication market to reach about KRW 27 trillion by 2025. Google, Intel and IBM are expected to compete directly with global companies that are actively developing quantum computing technologies.

SK Telecom revealed on July 23 that it has developed so called ‘Quantum Random Number Generation Chip’, which is the smallest of the 5 × 5 × ㎜ size and smaller than the fingernails and priced at only a few thousand won compared to tens of thousands of won.”


The Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) is a device that makes possible the unpredictable, pattern-free pure random numbers using the properties of Quantum, the smallest unit of material. The existing cryptosystem uses pseudo-random numbers, but it has a certain pattern, whereas the random number generated by the quantum random number generator is not patterned and it is impossible to decrypt and hack the cryptosystem.

It can be solved by reading the patterns with quantum computer associative abilities since the cipher system used in the disposable password generators (OTPs) and public certificates now uses pseudorandom numbers. However, since the random numbers generated by the quantum random number generators are not patterned, decoding will be almost impossible.”

For this reason, major overseas nations have developed a quantum random number generator to be used for special purposes such as military. However, the commercialized quantum random number generator is large and has a high price.

SK Telecom has implemented a QRNG in the form of a non-memory semiconductor chip, which can be priced at several dollars. The company plans to install the chip in various Internet of Things (IoT) products such as autonomous vehicles, smart phones and drone. It has also begun to develop USB-type quantum random number generator.

The chip should be installed from the product development stage, but the USB type can be applied to already commercialized products. The company expects to be able to install quantum random number generators in IoT and automobiles from next year.

Besides, the company said that it is developing a quantum cryptographic communication system with domestic SMEs and promoting it in the overseas optical communication market. Quantum Cryptography Optical communication is a technique of sending quantum cryptography as light grains (photons). The company sets the number 0 when the light is turned off, the number 1 when the light is turned off, and combines off and on to create a cryptographic key with a lot of photons. Nobody knows who gets it in the middle, but because quantum cryptography generates a cryptographic key with a single photon, the company can quickly figure out a hack if user pulls it out of the middle.

It can now transmit to 80 to 100 kilometers since quantum cryptography uses a single quantum level weak signal, but the company has developed a dedicated repeater to increase the communication distance to 120 kilometers last month. The company expects that quantum cryptography optical communication will be applied to wired optical communication networks, but it will be used in wireless devices in the future. SK Telecom official said, "We cannot use quantum cryptographic optical communication with the terminal as it is difficult to match the angles of relaying and there are many barriers such as buildings. China and Japan will shoot the quantum cryptosolar satellite and shoot the photon from 1200km above. And we plan to do so soon."

Meanwhile, the company has established a quantum technology research institute since 2011 and has developed domestic technology and commercial systems with Korean SMEs. The company added a national test network for quantum cryptography to the Bundang headquarters in February last year, adding that it is receiving support from the future creation science department. The company has previously entered into bilateral cryptographic communication business cooperation with Nokia.


By Na Won Jae nwj@


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