FrontierSI has announced the launch of what it is calling Australia’s first positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) Labs, being a network of facilities for testing and analysing the performance and resilience of PNT technologies.

The first such lab will be established at the Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) in Central Victoria, and will provide a “controlled and consistent real-world environment for PNT testing”.

The VGR Lab will use a software-defined radio to introduce controlled radio frequency interference disruptions in order to see how different GNSS hardware and positioning algorithms handle them.

In December 2024, FrontierSI conducted a preliminary trial to assess the suitability of the VGR for the PNT Lab.

The trial involved measuring the track to 1cm accuracy using four high-precision GNSS receivers mounted on two separate rail vehicles.

This known trajectory will serve as the reference benchmark for future tests, enabling rigorous evaluation of GNSS receivers and INS.

PNT Labs aims to collaborate with industry and research partners to assess both current and emerging satellite navigation systems. Those interested in taking part in trials can contact FrontierSI by emailing pnt@frontiersi.com.au.

In related news, FrontierSI and Pentagram Advisory are inviting expressions of interest from critical infrastructure operators across Australia to participate in a PNT Security Risk Assessment pilot project.

The aim of the project is to help organisations assess PNT vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against potential disruptions and provide a structured approach to evaluating and mitigating PNT-related risks.

Participants will receive a confidential, tailored report featuring:

• Desktop reviews and stakeholder interviews to identify dependencies and existing mitigation strategies;
• Scenario planning exercises to explore the operational impacts of PNT disruptions; and
• Risk analysis and strategic recommendations to enhance resilience and meet obligations under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act).

Participating organisations will gain:

• A clearer understanding of their reliance on PNT services;
• Identification of vulnerabilities within operations and security frameworks;
• Tailored recommendations to enhance PNT resilience and regulatory compliance;
• Guidance on integrating PNT risk management into cybersecurity and enterprise risk strategies; and
• Support for developing contingency plans to ensure operational continuity during disruptions.

The pilot project is expected to take between 12 and 14 weeks between March and May 2025.

FrontierSI and Pentagram Advisory are seeking a participant classified as a critical infrastructure asset under the SOCI Act, operating within Australia, and significantly reliant on PNT services. If multiple organisations express interest, selection will be based on sector relevance, complexity of PNT reliance, and potential for broader industry impact.

Further details can be obtained by emailing pnt@frontiersi.com.au.