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UK Telecoms Lab - UKTL


UKTL - The telecoms security lab

UKTL is the telecoms security lab, established by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and operated by NPL. This national facility, located at the heart of the fast-growing West Midlands technology hub in Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, provides test and evaluation capability to enhance confidence in the resilience and security of telecoms systems deployed in the UK. 

UKTL has been established to support the UK government’s security and diversification policy and help drive UK supply chain diversification ambitions. UKTL will engage with industry to ensure that its activities remain relevant as networks and the technology that underpins them evolve. 

UKTL is committed to working in partnership, producing ground-breaking work, and providing reassurance for industry, government, academia, and the consumer. It will champion telecoms digital security, playing a leading role in shaping the future of the UK’s telecoms infrastructure. Our focus is safety and prosperity for all.

For more information please contact us.

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Keep updated with UKTL news

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UK Telecoms lab logo

Trusted neutral space for operators and vendors

UKTL will:

  • Provide a trusted, neutral space for operators and vendors to test security, resilience, and interoperability on near-representative test networks 
  • Support the diversification of industry’s supply chain and telecommunication networks 
  • Help vendors develop more secure products and identify vulnerabilities in already deployed equipment 
  • Identify national security risks and vulnerabilities to ensure vital equipment and software are protected against cyberattack 
  • Collaborate with DSIT, NCSC, Ofcom, industry, academia, and the region to develop and deliver telecoms skills and career pathways 
  • Be shaped around industry’s needs and help ensure industry can meet the requirements of the Telecoms Security Act 
  • Help to ensure the UK has an infrastructure that can continue to support, encourage, and increase innovation and growth. 

Through the UK Telecoms Lab, we will place the UK at the forefront of new technologies, injecting innovation, supporting invention and providing the platform for implementation to deliver impact from science for our national security and economic growth.

Dr Peter Thompson - CEO, NPL 

Our partners  

UKTL is operated by NPL and funded by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). We work with National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Ofcom , The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) and SonicLabs.  

UKTL is in Solihull, at the heart of the West Midlands. We are committed to playing our part in the thriving world-class West Midlands cyber telecoms community.  

Department for science innovation & Technology logoSonic labs logo  UK telecoms innovation network logo     National cyber security centre logo

Ofcom logo

We are determined to harness the power of ultrafast, seamless 5G connectivity to boost economic productivity and close the digital divide. With 6G on the horizon, our £80 million investment in this state-of-art lab will maximise the innovation, security and resilience of these revolutionary digital networks. It will help turn Solihull into a leading destination for telecoms R&D - unlocking jobs and growth right across the West Midlands.

Julia Lopez - Digital Infrastructure Minister, DSIT

Careers at UKTL in cyber telecoms

I joined UKTL to participate in the exciting technological research and development that is currently happening in the UK Mobile Telecommunications field. It is a privilege to be part of a unique project that is destined to have an influential impact on the future of 5G and beyond in the UK.

Laboratory Engineer - UKTL

UKTL’s current vacancies

The UKTL’s team of experts is employed by NPL and enjoys the benefits of working for our organisation.  

Working at UKTL on testing and securing critical telecoms infrastructure allows me to utilise software development and Cybersecurity skillsets for the benefit of everyone. The lab also provides learning opportunities, plus the ability to guide the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Senior Software Engineer - UKTL

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NPL drives science and innovation collaboration across industry, academia, and government, focusing on emerging technologies. Our leading role in the National Quantum Programme, National Timing Centre Programme, and AI Standards Hub reinforces the UK's aim to be a science superpower by 2030.

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