UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, US align in global coalition to boost telecoms security, resilience, innovation

The U.K. has aligned with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. as part of a new global coalition called Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT) to strengthen coordination on telecommunications security, resilience, and innovation. These countries will use the coalition to help ensure that communications networks can remain resilient and adaptable when confronted with challenges ranging from supply chain disruption to cyber attacks, strengthening their ability to stay connected at the most critical times.

The GCOT aims to enhance the resilience of communication networks and explores collaboration in research and development, information sharing, and international outreach. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, U.K.; the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Australia; the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Canada; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan; and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S., have committed to establishing the GCOT to coordinate multilateral initiatives in support of these shared objectives.

Telecommunications companies have become an attractive target for cyber hackers, as the networks can be used as a backdoor to other organizations, thereby making it attractive for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access. These telecom networks are also used to build, control, and operate other critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, information technology, and transportation systems. Given the interconnected nature of telecom networks between critical infrastructure sectors, organizations need to focus on safeguarding network infrastructure and enabling network availability for critical infrastructure communication.

GCOT is the broadest international grouping to date focused on the specific priorities outlined in its joint statement of intent. The coalition looks to increase cooperation and coordination between the GCOT partners on telecommunications, including by improving information sharing to ensure complementary national approaches; building broader international consensus on key areas of telecommunications policy in support of shared objectives; enabling dialogue between policymakers, industry, and academia; and promoting innovation and growth opportunities for industry.

The GCOT partners expect to focus on topics including, but not exclusively limited to, telecommunications supply chain diversification; 6G and future telecommunications; telecommunications security and resilience; telecommunications skills; and coordinated approaches to telecommunications standards development. 

The GCOT steering group is expected to meet twice a year, with one in-person and one virtual meeting every six months, to discuss cooperation on specific topics of shared interest.

The GCOT partners are expected to take responsibility for coordinating its wider activity and may meet on a more frequent basis depending on active workstreams. As an early deliverable, the countries intend to work collaboratively to identify and engage with other potential partners, as well as identify and engage with industry and academia, which are essential in delivering the GCOT’s objectives.

“This historic partnership reflects our shared commitment to harnessing the power of telecommunications for the benefit of our nations and the world at large,” Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology in the U.K. government, said. “Telecommunications networks are the lifeline of global economies, and safeguarding their resilience and security in an evolving, interconnected world is a top priority for our governments.” 

Donelan added that by joining forces, “the UK and our partners are well-positioned to take the lead in broadening supply chains, nurturing industry knowledge, and bolstering security to address emerging challenges.”

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA is leading its participation in GCOT, with support from the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. 

“The critical telecommunications issues of today are global in scope,” Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator, said in a media statement. “This groundbreaking coalition will help the U.S. and our partners respond decisively to cross-border opportunities and challenges. By working ever more closely together, the coalition members will advance secure, diverse, resilient, and innovative telecommunications networks around the world.”

Cementing the U.K.’s commitment to this vital domestic and international agenda, the government announced an initial investment of £70 million (about US$8.52 million) to develop the next generation of telecommunications technology through the Future Telecoms Technology Missions Fund (TMF) Programme.

In July, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlined how international engagement plays a crucial role in several ongoing efforts that include the update of the ‘Journey to the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0),’ revision of digital identity guidelines, and boosting awareness on the NIST Privacy Framework and IoT cybersecurity work. The agency has also undertaken several meetings and held workshops with international participants.

Anna Ribeiro

Industrial Cyber News Editor. Anna Ribeiro is a freelance journalist with over 14 years of experience in the areas of security, data storage, virtualization and IoT.