ETSI turned its eye towards quantum computing, forming a dedicated committee to develop specifications it argued are needed to ensure the security of future communications and networks.

The standards group stated the Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies is a notable development for the group’s ambition to produce an underlying framework capable of spanning several domains.

Mark Pecen, CRO and director with post-quantum cryptography company EigenQ, is set to convene the committee’s first meeting in December.

He noted ETSI “established the first group on Quantum Key Distribution in 2008”, experience he said would now be “key to addressing future market needs”.

ETSI’s quantum committee is tasked with aiding European policy moves regarding the technology across specific legislation along with the European Union (EU) Chips Act.

There will be a focus on ensuring quantum efforts in the region are aligned through collaboration with regulatory bodies, treaty organisations and other standards groups.

ETSI aims to play a key role in the European Quantum Communications Infrastructure, an effort among the EU’s 27 member states to develop a secure, common architecture.

Key areas of activity for the group are set to include quantum communications, networking, sensing, satellite connections, random number generators and security.