NTT and Global Industry Leaders Agree to Advance Discussions on International Standardization of Future Networks for Optical Quantum Computing at ITU-T CxO Roundtable
NTT to Host the 2027 CxO Roundtable in Japan to Continue International Dialogue

News Highlights:

Background

The ITU-T CxO Roundtable, hosted by Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), brings together industry executives and ITU-T leadership to discuss strategic priorities and future directions for standardization activities. The 2026 CxO Roundtable was held in New Delhi, India, alongside the 10th India Mobile Congress (IMC), one of the largest ICT events in India.

Quantum computing technologies are advancing rapidly and are expected to contribute to a wide range of fields, including drug discovery, materials science, and logistics optimization. In particular, optical quantum computing is built upon technological foundations closely related to optical communications. Its potential is expected to expand further as quantum computers become interconnected with AI platforms, data centers, and other computing resources through networking technologies. To realize this vision, collaboration across industries and countries will be increasingly important, including discussions on interoperability and future architectural frameworks.

Proposals from NTT

NTT proposed that international dialogue should advance in parallel with the evolution of quantum computing technologies, focusing on network architecture, interoperability, synchronization, and operational aspects that may become important in future information and communication infrastructures utilizing quantum computing.

As part of this proposal, NTT introduced its R&D activities in IOWN, which aims to improve the efficiency of networking and computing infrastructures to address challenges such as increasing computing-resource requirements and power consumption associated with the growing scale of AI, as well as its R&D activities in optical quantum computing, which has the potential to significantly transform future information processing.

NTT also highlighted that optical quantum computing is evolving on technological foundations shared with optical communications and explained how the relationship between communications and computing technologies may become increasingly intertwined in the future.

Furthermore, NTT noted that the value of quantum computing may extend beyond standalone systems through interconnection and collaboration among multiple quantum computers, AI platforms, data centers, and network resources.

These proposals received support from ICT industry executives and ITU-T leadership participating in the Roundtable and were reflected in the communiqué³ as part of the continued dialogue and international collaboration on future architectures and interoperability.

Hosting the 2027 CxO Roundtable in Japan

The ITU-T CxO Roundtable is hosted by participating organizations and companies in different countries around the world. NTT invited participants to hold the 2027 CxO Roundtable in Japan and was selected to host the next meeting. This will be the first time the CxO Roundtable is held in Japan.

The 2027 meeting is expected to bring together senior executives from telecommunications operators, vendors, research organizations, governments, and standards-development organizations to discuss the future of information and communication infrastructure.

NTT is also considering holding the meeting in conjunction with NTT R&D Forum⁴ 2027, providing participants with opportunities to experience NTT's advanced technologies and research activities firsthand.

Future Plans

NTT will continue contributing to international discussions on future network architectures and interoperability that support the evolution of quantum computing technologies. Through ITU-T activities and related international forums, NTT will deepen dialogue with industry, research organizations, government agencies, and standards-development organizations on the future enabled by the convergence of quantum computing, AI, data centers, and networking technologies.

Attendees of the CxO Roundtable 2026

NTT's Proposal at the CxO Roundtable 2026

[Glossary]

¹ITU: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies. The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is responsible for coordinating standards for telecommunications and information and communication technologies.

²CxO Roundtable: A meeting hosted by the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), Seizo Onoe, bringing together executives from companies and organizations participating in ITU-T.
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/tsbdir/CxO/Pages/CxO-Roundtable-7-October-2026.aspx

³https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/tsbdir/cto/Documents/Communique_ITU_CxO_2026_updated.pdf

⁴NTT R&D Forum: https://www.rd.ntt/e/forum/

About NTT

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.