Can EGNOS provide an accurate time reference?

Yes, EGNOS provides a real-time distribution of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for the benefit of time/frequency users. EGNOS uses a system time known as EGNOS Network Time (ENT), which is linked to UTC, notably through the installation of an EGNOS ground station at the Observatoire de Paris, which itself provides UTC reference time for France.

All the differential corrections broadcast by EGNOS are referenced according to ENT. Thus, the time obtained by the user when they calculate their position using EGNOS data is also referenced in ENT and not GPS time. In addition, EGNOS broadcasts a specific message containing several parameters that allow the receiver to estimate UTC. The user then has a precise, reliable time directly synchronised with UTC. The accuracy obtained relative to UTC is less than 50 nanoseconds.