A new terrestrial timing signal is set to reduce reliance on satellite systems for digital infrastructure.

Government investment in the National Timing Centre (NTC) will help to protect the clocks and timing systems that underpin phone networks and online banking systems.

Currently, these services and others like transport systems and emergency services rely heavily on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which beam ultra-accurate timing signals from space.
 

However these are vulnerable to disruption from attacks, jamming, and technical malfunctions.

In Ukraine, satellite signals have been disrupted by jamming attacks.

It is estimated that an outage in the UK could cost the economy £1.4 billion in 24 hours.   

The National Timing Centre will now work on a new £180 million programme to enhance UK resilience and safeguard the economy.

If existing services fail the NTC will be able to step in and support digital infrastructure. The timing signal will be free over air, via internet and by fibre.

Science Minister Lord Vallance 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."