Everyday systems that rely on ultra‑precise timekeeping, from mobile networks and online banking to emergency services and national transport, will be significantly better protected thanks to a new £180 million government investment in the UK’s National Timing Centre.
Announced to coincide with the start of British Science Week, the funding will strengthen the UK’s resilience against disruptions to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, which currently provide the timing signals underpinning key national services but remain vulnerable to jamming, cyberattacks and technical failures.
GNSS outages can have severe real‑world consequences. Satellite jamming during the war in Ukraine has repeatedly interfered with civilian aviation and critical services, demonstrating the fragility of existing systems.
A significant GNSS failure in the UK could cost the economy up to £1.4 billion in just 24 hours, underlining why a secure, sovereign timing capability is now essential for national security, economic resilience and public safety. Led by the National Physical Laboratory, the NTC will now begin a major expansion programme to develop and distribute a highly resilient UK‑based timing infrastructure using state‑of‑the‑art atomic clocks.
The new system will provide a robust backup to satellite timing through:
- Free‑to‑access resilient timing signals sent via airwaves, the internet and fibre
- Two dedicated NTC sites distributing signals through fibre, satellite and radio
- A decentralised model ensuring systems no longer rely on a single vulnerable source
- Enhanced protection for telecoms, energy grids, transport systems and emergency services
When satellite systems fail or are disrupted, the NTC will ensure essential digital infrastructure continues to operate smoothly.
The investment will also support training and workforce development, helping to build a world‑leading UK skills pipeline in precision timing and atomic clock engineering. New opportunities will be created for graduates, apprentices, and future PhD‑level specialists.
This growing capability will enable British companies to innovate, scale and contribute to national renewal in high‑tech sectors.
Atomic clocks are among the world’s most accurate scientific instruments, producing exceptionally stable timing signals. They already underpin:
- 5G networks – enabling thousands of devices to coordinate transmissions without interference
- Transport systems, ensuring synchronised signalling and safety
- Financial transactions, where precise timing is essential for security and sequencing
- Emergency services, supporting rapid response and communication
The NTC will expand and strengthen these capabilities, creating a resilient foundation for future digital innovation. NPL is working with companies nationwide to explore how advanced atomic timing could unlock new technologies in:
- Navigation systems
- Next‑generation communications
- Enhanced radar
- Defence and national security
- Space operations
Lord Vallance, Science Minister, said:
“Accurate timekeeping is about more than just keeping the clocks ticking, it is fundamental to keeping the country running - from banking and staying in touch with friends and family through to our emergency services having the information they need.
“The systems we rely on today are increasingly vulnerable to disruption, which is why we’re acting now to strengthen the infrastructure we rely on every day.
“This project will give us a safety net that will help protect our national security, safeguard our economy, and give people the confidence they need to go about their daily lives.”
The announcement forms part of British Science Week, a ten‑day celebration of UK science and engineering. Later this week, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will speak at the Royal Society’s Women and the Future of Science event, highlighting the contributions of women across the UK’s scientific community.
Image credit: iStock
