SPTel enables a Quantum-Safe Nation, earning two recognitions at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025
The telecom service provider’s exemplary performance as an appointed operator of IMDA’s NQSN+ project was honoured at the awards programme.
SPTel scored wins in the Network and Security Integration of the Year - Singapore and Technology Innovation of the Year - Singapore categories at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, for delivering Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN) in the city-state as part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) National Quantum Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) initiative.
The company’s success in QSN deployment is due to its resilient and diverse fibre network that is physically separate from existing telco networks, access to trusted nodes (critical infrastructure) around the island to house QKD devices and <1ms ultra-low latency network performance. This ensures reliable key transfer as well as physical and digital security for key distribution. More information on SPTel’s Quantum-Safe Network solutions can be found here.
As the quantum computing threat approaches, there is increasing urgency for sectors such as government, financial services, and healthcare to protect critical data. But the threat of Quantum computers is not in the distant future, it is present today in the form of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. Such attacks are targeted at stealing sensitive information today to be decrypted later once Quantum Computers are available. These attacks are currently very difficult to prevent in real time unless data is transmitted via a QSN.
NQSN+ will accelerate the adoption of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies, offering quantum-safe solutions on an “as-a-Service” model, enabling QSNs to be more accessible, scalable, and rapidly deployed. Organisations can thus achieve seamless quantum-safe data transfer within and across organisations without having to be burdened by interoperability concerns.
In August 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and leading financial institutions, DBS, HSBC, OCBC, and UOB, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SPTel and its partner, SpeQtral, to collaborate on a quantum security initiative within the financial services sector. The MoU will support the study and deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to safeguard cryptographic communications and mitigate the cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing.
As part of the MoU, the collaboration will focus on several key areas, including a QKD Proof-of-Concept Sandbox, where trials for financial services use cases will be conducted to evaluate the viability, effectiveness, and applicability of QKD for secure communications. The collaboration will include security validation efforts, testing QKD’s ability to detect eavesdropping attempts, prevent unauthorised access, and ensure the integrity of key transmissions."
Additionally, the collaboration will promote knowledge exchange and skills development by equipping stakeholders with the necessary technical competencies to transition to quantum security solutions.
These activities commenced in 2024 whilst comprehensive findings and conclusions are expected in 2025. This collaboration is a significant step in ensuring that Singapore’s financial sector and critical infrastructure are prepared for the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
The Asia Telecom Awards recognises exceptional accomplishments within the telecom industry in the Asia Pacific region. It also highlights the journey of telecom companies that have driven progress and ignited transformative shifts within the sector.
About SPTel
SPTel is a joint venture company of ST Engineering and SP Group. SPTel uses unique fibre pathways that combine leased SP Group infrastructure and owned fibre pipes, laid alongside the power network cables. As a leading provider of next-generation telecommunications and digital solutions, SPTel places a strong focus on innovation and reliability. This enables SPTel to deliver secure and scalable connectivity, edge cloud, IoT-a-a-S, and managed security solutions to businesses, government agencies, and service providers. SPTel is committed to driving digital transformation by providing cutting-edge technologies and exceptional customer experiences.
For more information, please visit www.sptel.com.
The Asian Telecom Awards is presented by Asian Telecom Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for delivering cutting-edge, award-winning telco products and services to customers, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at [email protected].
