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  • UK Telecoms Lab - UKTL


UK Telecoms Lab - UKTL


UKTL - The telecoms security lab

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

UKTL is facilitating the UK government’s security and diversification policy and helping to expand the UK supply chain by ensuring industry have accurate measurement and testing facilities as the networks and the technology that underpins them continue to evolve.

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

Keep updated with UKTL news and events:

News and events

UKTL current vacancies

For more information contact us

UK Telecoms lab logo

Trusted neutral space for operators and vendors

UKTL is: 

  • Providing a space for operators and vendors to test security, resilience, and interoperability on near-representative test networks  

  • Supporting the diversification of industry’s supply chain and telecommunication networks  

  • Helping vendors develop more secure products and identify vulnerabilities in already deployed equipment  

  • Identifying national security risks and vulnerabilities to ensure vital equipment and software are protected against cyberattack  

  • Collaborating with DSIT, NCSC, Ofcom, industry, academia, and the West Midlands region to develop and deliver telecoms skills and career pathways  

  • Shaping industry’s needs and helping ensure industry can meet the requirements of the Telecoms Security Act  

  • Helping 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 based 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

 

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

UKTL’s current vacancies

 

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

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Emerging technologies

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.

As a national laboratory, we build confidence in new technologies, shaping the nation's readiness through standards, skills, and investment.

Emerging technologies