SKtelecom advances quantum cryptography networks

SK Telecom  is developing quantum cryptography networking by integrating equipment from different manufacturers via software-defined networking (SDN) and distributing quantum keys in an automated manner. 

SKT said that it completed verification of the technology on the Korea Advanced Research Network (KOREN), a non-profit testbed network infrastructure operated by the National Information Society Agency (NIA) to facilitate research, test and verification of future network leading technologies and related equipment.

Based on the results of development and verification of the technology, SKT has been actively promoting standardization by sharing the case with global telcos.

SKT is proposing two standardization tasks - i.e. ‘Control Interface of Software Defined Networks’ and ‘Orchestration Interface of Software Defined Networks for Interoperable Key Management System’ - to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and they were chosen as work items by the ETSI industry specification group for QKD (ISG-QKD) in March 2023. 

Meanwhile, at this year's IOWN Global Forum Workshop, SKT delivered a presentation on 'Quantum Secure Interconnection for Critical Infrastructure,’ covering use cases for next-generation transmission encryption technology and proposal for a proof-of-concept (PoC) of quantum cryptography in All-Photonics Network (APN). The company also showcased its quantum cryptography communication technologies at 2023 MWC Barcelona.

“The two standardization tasks approved as work items by ETSI will boost the expansion of quantum cryptography communication in the global market,” said Ha Min-yong, Chief Development Officer of SKT. “We will work with diverse global players in many different areas to create new business opportunities in the global market.”

https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1563

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Deutsche Telekom now holds 50.2% stake in T-Mobile US

Deutsche Telekom has increased its ownership stake in T-Mobile US to 50.2%, up from 43% at the time the Sprint merger was completed three years ago.

Deutsche Telekom’s CEO,  Tim Höttges, stated that the Group has now passed its peak level of debt thanks to the strong free cash flow. “Taking the dividend and share price together, the return for 2022 is 18.6 percent. For comparison: The DAX was down 12.4 percent in the same period.” 

Additional notes from Deutsche Telekom's 2021 Capital Markets Day

• The Group’s revenue increased by 6.1 percent in the last financial year to 114.4 billion euros. 
• Adjusted EBITDA AL rose by 7.7 percent to 40.2 billion euros. 
• Deutsche Telekom's 5G now covers 95 percent of the German population. 
• Deutsche Telekom builds around 80 percent of all new cell sites in Germany, 4,800 since 2019.
• In 2022, the company reduced its energy consumption in Germany by 278 gigawatt hours – that is 11 percent.
• The fiber rollout continues to gain pace - “We are building as fast as the diggers can dig for up to three million households this year – 25 to 30 million households by 2030. In urban and rural areas.” 
• By 2040, Deutsche Telekom commits to make its entire value chain climate neutral. This extends from device manufacturing all the way through the power consumption used by consumers.

https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/deutsche-telekom-puts-sustainability-at-the-heart-of-its-actions-1031920

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Ciena reaffirms financial guidance and market conditions

Ciena reaffirmed its previously-issued guidance for its fiscal second quarter and full year 2023, along with its previous statements with respect to both the demand environment and the normalization of backlog and inventory dynamics.

On March 6, 2023, Ciena provided its business outlook for fiscal second quarter 2023, including revenue of $1,035M to $1,115M, adjusted gross margin of low 40s%, and adjusted operating expense of approximately $335M. In addition, Ciena provided its fiscal full year 2023 outlook, including revenue growth of 20% to 22%, adjusted gross margin of 42% to 44%, and adjusted operating expense of approximately $330M per quarter for the remainder of the fiscal year.

https://investor.ciena.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ciena-reaffirms-fiscal-second-quarter-and-full-year-2023

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FCC opens Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs

The FCC is opening a new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs on April 11.

Once the reorganization is complete, the agency’s International Bureau will become two separate, cooperative units within the agency:

•  The Space Bureau (SB) will promote a competitive and innovative global communications marketplace by leading policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities. Among its responsibilities, the Bureau will lead complex policy analysis and rulemakings; authorize satellite and earth station systems used for space-based services; streamline regulatory processes to provide maximum flexibility for operators to meet customer needs; and foster the efficient use of scarce spectrum and orbital resources.  The Bureau will also serve as a focal point for coordination with other U.S. government agencies on matters of space policy and governance, and collaborate with the Office of International Affairs for consultations with other countries, international and multi-lateral organizations, and foreign government officials that involve satellite and space policy matters.
•  The Office of International Affairs (OIA) will be responsible for the Commission's engagement of foreign and international regulatory authorities, including multilateral and regional organizations.  OIA will also facilitate through rulemaking and licensing the Commission’s development of policies regarding international telecommunications facilities and services as well as submarine cables, and advise the Commission on foreign ownership issues.   In undertaking these functions, OIA will implement Commission policies to facilitate competition and foreign investment in U.S. international telecommunications markets while ensuring, in consultation with relevant federal partners, that national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy concerns are addressed.  OIA also will be responsible for intergovernmental leadership, negotiation, and international and inter-agency representational functions.  OIA will oversee and coordinate the FCC’s global participation in international and multilateral conferences, regional organizations, cross-border negotiations and international standard setting efforts.  OIA will also oversee bilateral meetings with other countries and foreign government officials.   

“Our country’s economic success today and in the future relies on space-based connections,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “Whether it’s bringing broadband to hard-to-connect rural communities, closing mobile dead zones, or linking freedom-seeking people across the globe, satellite connectivity is fundamental to improving our quality of life and maintaining our economic success.  That is why the FCC has made important structural changes to meet the needs of space innovation.”

https://www.fcc.gov

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Viasat debuts military Free Space Optical

Viasat debuted its new Mercury Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) terminal  designed to support terrestrial, expeditionary applications, including SOCOM use cases.

The Viasat Mercury solution is an expeditionary, high-capacity FSOC link with an automated pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) system, offering military operators lower signature communications at the quick-halt. Mercury is based upon advanced commercial-off-the-shelf technology, leveraging substantial industry investment towards bringing a high-performance, resilient, and cost-effective capability to better support warfighting operations at the edge.

The Viasat FSOC solution will deliver data rates up to 40 Gbps with a range of up to 70 Kilometers (km) for terrestrial applications, and be highly resistant to jamming, spoofing and electro-magnetic interference when compared to RF systems. By leveraging a dual-stage continuous active line-of-sight tracking system, Mercury will be deployable to support multiple expeditionary communications environments including Ground-to-Ground, Ground-to-Air, Ship-to-Ship, and Ship-to-Shore.

"Free Space Optics offers the benefits of fiber optic cable communications without the need to run the cable," said Craig Miller, president of Viasat Government Systems. "As the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) seeks to gain an advantage through increasingly reliable and low detection communications, we are investing in FSO as part of a resilient multi-transport network. The Mercury terminal is designed as a high-capacity and low-cost solution for the DoD, and this is the first platform for terrestrial use as we continue to invest in comms-on-the-move capabilities across sea, air and space."

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