VSL Recognised as a Foundation for a National Time Network
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VSL Recognised as a Foundation for a National Time Network
The Netherlands must accelerate efforts to strengthen its resilience against disruptions to satellite-based signals. This is one of the key conclusions of a recent recommendation by the Accelerating Network for Resilience in the Physical Environment (Versnellingsnetwerk Weerbaarheid Fysieke Leefomgeving), representing more than fifty organisations from sectors including energy, telecommunications, water, transport, finance and defence. The recommendation highlights that reliable Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services are essential to the functioning of Dutch society and the economy.
One of the report’s key recommendations is the development of a national, GNSS-independent time network. VSL, the National Metrology Institute of the Netherlands, is explicitly identified as an organisation that can provide the foundation for such an infrastructure. The Accelerating Network calls on the Dutch government to invest in a robust time network that is geographically distributed, resilient against the failure of individual components, and available to critical users.
Reliable Time is Essential for Critical Infrastructure
Many critical systems in the Netherlands depend on highly accurate time synchronisation. Telecommunications networks, power distribution systems, financial transactions, data centres and digital communication services all rely on precise timing. In many cases, this timing is derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS.
However, these systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to a growing number of incidents involving the disruption or manipulation of satellite signals. As a result, the demand for alternative and independent sources of accurate time synchronisation is increasing.
VSL Maintains the Dutch National Time Reference
As the National Metrology Institute of the Netherlands, VSL maintains the Dutch national time standard, UTC(VSL). This time scale is realised using multiple atomic clocks and is connected to the international network that maintains Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). VSL already provides access to this reference through a range of time dissemination services and continues to develop methods for reliable time distribution via fibre-optic networks.
In addition, VSL invests in strengthening the Dutch time infrastructure through the development of redundancy measures, backup facilities and alternative distribution methods. These efforts contribute to a secure, reliable and resilient digital society.
A Practical Step Towards Greater Digital Resilience
The Accelerating Network describes the development of a national time network as a practical and achievable measure that can be implemented in the near term. As the custodian of the Dutch national time standard UTC(VSL), and with its extensive expertise, infrastructure and capabilities in time and frequency metrology, VSL is well positioned to play an important role in enhancing the resilience of the Netherlands against the loss or disruption of satellite-based systems.
More information about the recommendation is available in the news release published by the Physical Environment Consultative Body (OFL).
Read the full recommendation.