In today’s interconnected world, timing resilience is a critical yet often overlooked component of national infrastructure. Precision in time and frequency distribution underpins essential services, ensuring they remain accurate and dependable even in the face of disruptions. From data centres to energy grids, telecommunications networks, and water systems, the requirements of resilient timing services are becoming increasingly apparent.
Agenda
14:00-14:15 |
Open remarks by the NPL Elena Parsons
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14:15-14:45 |
Panel discussion
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14:45-15:00 |
Q&A and close |
Event description
Join us for an exclusive event hosted by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), where timing experts will delve into the urgent need for a resilient national timing infrastructure. This initiative is designed to provide assured and trusted time distribution across the UK, reducing dependence on vulnerable Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which are susceptible to jamming, spoofing, and cyber threats.
As data centres become part of the Critical National Infrastructure definition, precise timing is essential. Any discrepancy can lead to costly operational disruptions and compromise system stability.
In the energy and water sectors, timing accuracy is just as crucial. The synchronization of smart grids and utilities ensures the efficient distribution and management of resources, preventing inefficiencies and outages. A single disruption can have widespread consequences, affecting service reliability and increasing operational risks.
To address these growing concerns, the UK government has launched a new Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) framework. This initiative includes the establishment of a National PNT Office and the development of contingency strategies to protect critical sectors.
The value of timing
Loss of PNT services is a national critical risk, with catastrophic impacts on the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including telecommunications, transport, emergency services, energy, and water. Many organizations unknowingly rely on PNT for timing and synchronization, making them vulnerable to failures, natural events, or attacks.
Telecommunications and data centres, vital for both secure government communications and consumer needs, are especially at risk. To mitigate threats, CNI organizations must improve awareness, adopt reliable timing methods, and assess resilience, ensuring robust contingency plans against PNT disruptions.
By attending this event, you will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in timing resilience, explore alternative time dissemination technologies, and understand how government-led initiatives are shaping a more secure and robust future. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of emerging risks and safeguard the continuity of your sector.
Is your industry prepared for a timing disruption? From telecoms to energy grids, precise timing is the invisible backbone of critical infrastructure—because when every microsecond counts, reliability is everything.
Contact us
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Luisa C. Cardani
Luisa C. Cardani is the Head of the Data Centres Programme at techUK, aiming to provide a collective voice for UK operators and working with government to improve business environment for the data centres sector.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
