The UK government has invested in new terrestrial timing technology to reduce reliance on satellite systems for digital infrastructure such as mobile phone networks and online banking.
The clocks and timekeeping systems we all rely on every day will be better protected than ever thanks to our investment in a state-of-the-art National Timing Center (NTC).
Coinciding with the start of British Science Week, the NTC will be working on a new £180m program to strengthen Britain’s resilience and protect the economy.
“Accurate timekeeping is fundamental to not just keeping the clocks running, but keeping the country running, from banking and keeping in touch with friends and family, to emergency services getting the information they need,” explained Lord Vallance, Minister for Science.
“This project provides a safety net that protects our national security, protects our economy, and gives people the confidence they need to live their daily lives.”
Disadvantages of traditional timing systems
Accurate timekeeping is fundamental to our daily lives, keeping transport systems moving, making phone calls, and ensuring emergency services arrive at the scene as quickly as possible.
At the moment, they all rely heavily on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). GNSS transmits ultra-precise timing signals from space, but is vulnerable to interruptions due to attack, jamming, or technical failure.
Recent incidents as part of the Ukraine war have revealed that satellite signals have been deliberately jammed and that jamming attacks can repeatedly disrupt civil aircraft and other critical services.
Alarmingly, a power outage affecting the UK could cost the country’s economy around £1.4 billion in just 24 hours.
Keeping digital networks moving in the face of disruption
The National Timing Center, led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), develops alternatives to satellite-based timing technologies to help keep economies, public services, and transportation networks running in the face of the most severe disruptions.
If your existing system fails, we deliver resilient timing signals free of charge over wireless, internet, or fiber.
As part of the program, two dedicated sites will harness the power of these machines to share signals via fiber, satellite and radio waves. This means the system no longer needs to rely on a single location or transmission method that is prone to interruptions.
NPL CEO Pete Thompson commented: “At NPL, we are proud to be leading the way in providing reliable and reliable timing to protect and strengthen the UK’s digital infrastructure.
“This funding will enable the NTC program to deliver significant benefits to industry and the economy while supporting future secure applications.”
NPL is already working with companies across the UK to explore how atomic clocks can be used, exploring new applications in everything from navigation and communications to improving radar systems.
Build precision timing training expertise
The funding will also help build UK expertise in precision timing training, creating new opportunities for graduate, apprentice and, in the longer term, PhD level training.
This will ensure the UK has the skills needed to maintain safe and reliable timekeeping, and support innovative British companies to scale up and drive national regeneration.
Celebrating British scientific progress
It is part of British Science Week, a 10-day celebration of British science, technology, engineering and maths.
Later this week, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will speak at the Royal Society’s Women and the Future of Science event, celebrating the contribution of women to British science.
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