Global telecom coalition issues new 6G security principles focusing on quantum safety, AI integration

Canada and its international partners in the Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT) announced a new set of principles for 6G security and resilience at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on March 3. The coalition, established in 2023 with Australia, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S., also announced the addition of Finland and Sweden as new members. Canada is leading the group’s steering committee until the end of this year. GCOT’s shared principles call for a “secure-by-design” practice, where security and reliability is built into the next generation of wireless networks from the start. This approach, the group asserted, will require constant security monitoring of every part of the system. In older mobile networks, certain tasks or network functions were often tied to specific, expensive pieces of physical equipment. However, “6G looks to continue the trend of 5G towards greater virtualisation of network functions,” writes GCOT, meaning those tasks are increasingly becoming software-based. Every individual network function must be regularly and robustly verified before it is allowed access to data, the group said. The coalition is also looking ahead to the arrival of super-fast quantum computers. Cybersecurity experts have warned of the security risks posed by the technology, noting it might be able to break today’s digital locks. GCOT agrees 6G systems must support quantum-safe cryptography from the start. This is especially important to protect sensitive information that might be stolen now and unlocked later by hackers using this future technology, GCOT emphasized, also known as “harvest-now-decrypt-later” attacks. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be a built-in feature of 6G networks, the coalition said, explaining that it can be used to improve network performance and find security threats in real time. However, the group warned these AI systems must be protected so they are not tricked or fed bad information in their training data. GCOT agreed that “robust testing and human oversight” is needed to ensure “autonomous network agents operate safely and remain accountable.” The agreement also focuses on making sure the internet stays up during emergencies, such as natural disasters or power outages. “This requires moving beyond simple protection to include intelligent adaptation and rapid recovery,” wrote GCOT. As part of this “resiliency-by-design” approach, the coalition calls for “safe failover” capabilities, which allows a network to automatically detect disturbances and move traffic along other paths to maintain connectivity. The principles also recommend implementing non-satellite-based navigation and timing systems, arguing that current mobile networks rely too heavily on traditional satellite systems, such as GPS, which are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. To make 6G networks stronger, GCOT wants to use Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technology, which it said would support a more diverse and resilient supply chain for mobile carriers. Open RAN architecture is a framework that allows different service providers to use non-proprietary, interoperable network components from different vendors. This prevents a situation where a network relies on only one company, which can present risks if that company has business, technical, or supply chain problems. Additionally, allowing many different companies to provide different parts for the same network can help reduce the impact of issues with specific equipment, such as software errors or malicious cyber attacks, as it makes it easier for mobile network operators to switch to alternative suppliers. “As the world prepares for 6G, ensuring that next-generation networks are secure and resilient is critical to protecting Canadians and strengthening our digital future,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly (Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Que.) in a statement. “Together, we are shaping a telecommunications ecosystem that is open, competitive and trusted.” The coalition said its framework will guide the early coordination of governments, industry, and standards organizations as 6G development progresses globally. According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, several major industry players, including Telus Corp., Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron, AT&T, Ericsson, NVIDIA, and Samsung, have already endorsed the principles. phalentm@thewirereport.ca

Global telecom coalition issues new 6G security principles focusing on quantum safety, AI integration

Telecom |
By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
|March 4, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Global telecom coalition issues new 6G security principles focusing on quantum safety, AI integration

Telecom | By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald |March 4, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

SpaceX receives support from Indigenous groups, Rogers to utilize E-band frequencies in Quebec and Alberta

Telus, Bell drop wholesale fibre access dispute

Q&A: CIRA CEO worries Canadian web traffic could be exploited by the U.S.

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Telecom |
By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
|March 4, 2026