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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science.

National Timing Centre (NTC) programme

Resilient time for the future

Assured time and frequency for the UK

The National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, led by National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is the body responsible for the UK’s first nationally distributed time infrastructure. The NTC enables the UK to move away from reliance on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and deliver resilient UK time and frequency, providing confidence to our Critical National Infrastructure. 

The resilient and reliable time and frequency signals we are developing will accelerate innovation in new technologies such as smart grids, time-critical 5G and 6G applications, factories of the future, smart cities and connected autonomous vehicles.  

Watch our animation and learn how we support industry sectors, reducing the reliance on GNSS and providing secure nationally distributed time for the UK.  

To learn more and be involved in the National Timing Centre programme, contact us:

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What's next for the National Timing Centre

Dr Leon Lobo, head of NPL's National Timing Centre, explores how the centre will benefit the UK and what comes next following the R&D programme.

NTC news

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Our time and frequency research

We provide customers and partners with access to trusted and reliable time, and push the boundaries of timing technologies

Research

Our time and frequency services

A reliable source of timing and synchronisation standards and services

Services
 

Free e-learning courses

Introduction to Clock Performance


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Introduction to Time & Frequency Measurement


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Why precise time-keeping is vital for society and industry

Time: the invisible utility that underpins infrastructure and systems to keep the world turning.

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Government policy

NPL welcomes the UK Government's Policy Framework for greater PNT resilience.

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NTC resources

Webinars, thought leadership, and more from the world of time and frequency.

Explore resources