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AMS-IX launches satellite-independent time service to protect critical digital infrastructure

AMS-IX NEWS

AMS-IX

AMS-IX

20 April 2026

Today, we’re introducing Time-as-a-Service (TaaS), the first commercially available service to deliver a reliable and redundant time signal. The service reduces dependence on external satellite systems and strengthens critical digital infrastructures.

Because time is something every system depends on, yet rarely something people think about.

TaaS enables organisations to reduce operational risks, ensure business continuity and meet increasing regulatory requirements by providing accurate, traceable time directly where networks interconnect. In doing so, it helps support the integrity and trust in the systems and services people rely on every day.

Time as a crucial foundation for digital economies

Accurate time is essential for core digital processes such as financial transactions, cloud platforms, telecommunications networks and cybersecurity. Together, these systems form the backbone of modern economies and public services, where trust depends on precise, traceable time.

At the same time, most organisations rely on GPS or other satellite-based systems. These are vulnerable to disruption, spoofing or outages—risks that can lead to failed transactions, service interruptions and regulatory non-compliance.

With our resilient infrastructure, we offer Private NTP (Network Time Protocol), a neutral and independent alternative to satellite-based timekeeping. This means organisations can:

  • Maintain operations if satellite signals fail
  • Reduce dependence on external systems
  • Strengthen resilience against geopolitical and technical risks
  • Support compliance with regulations such as NIS2, MiFID II and DORA

Products and compliance

Within our TaaS portfolio, we offer two complementary services, each with a clear role:

Private Network Time Protocol (NTP), a secure, satellite-independent service delivered within data centres connected to AMS-IX, for critical and regulated environments where traceable milliseconds matter.

And Public NTP, a free, satellite-based service that uses two different signals for accuracy and redundancy, accessible via public servers over the internet.

Source of the time signal

We source our fibre-based time signal, with an accuracy of less than one millisecond, from VSL, based in Delft.

VSL provides highly accurate time, traceable to SI units and directly linked to the international time standard UTC, ensuring reliability and verifiability.

Strengthening Europe’s digital backbone

With TaaS, we contribute to strengthening the resilience and sovereignty of Europe’s digital infrastructure, reducing reliance on external satellite systems and helping ensure the continuity of essential digital systems.

“Time is a crucial factor,” says Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX. “The systems our economy and society depend on must remain reliable and trustworthy. By providing an independent time signal sourced from VSL, we help organisations reduce risk, ensure continuity and meet compliance requirements.”

Future-proof precision

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our Time Services portfolio with even more precise timing for sectors that require extremely accurate synchronisation, such as the financial industry and high-frequency trading, energy companies and smart grids, automotive systems (ADAS), data centres & artificial intelligence, and telecommunications (5G/LTE).

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