Market segment · Communications
Driving connectivity
forward
NOTE in the UK builds PCB assemblies, box builds and complete systems for IoT, RF, network and satellite products, across six UK sites from engineering prototype to volume production.
ISO 9001 · IPC-A-610 · RoHS and REACH
6
UK manufacturing
sites
600+
UK
colleagues
39bn
Connected IoT devices
expected by 2030
2029
UK 2G switch-off
begins
Sources: IoT Analytics, State of IoT 2025; Ofcom, 2G and 3G switch-off guidance.
What we build
Products driving
connectivity
NOTE in the UK manufactures electronics for the communications sector - from IoT devices, RF modules, and network infrastructure to satellite-based systems and smart building technology. As a UK contract electronics manufacturer certified to ISO 9001 and IPC-A-610 standards, we combine high-density PCBA capability and scalable manufacturing capacity to deliver reliable, high-throughput electronics for customers where connectivity, signal integrity, and product longevity are non-negotiable. Our six UK sites support programmes from engineering prototype through to high-volume serial production, with a supply chain network that reaches NOTE Group facilities in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Bulgaria, and China for customers requiring in-region or dual-continent capacity.
IoT devices
and sensors
Compact, often battery-powered boards for trackers, meters and monitoring devices.
Network products
and switches
High-density boards and box builds for routers, switches and network equipment.
Optical data
transmission
Assemblies for optical transceivers and transmission equipment, where placement accuracy counts.
Satellite-based
systems
Electronics for satellite communication components and ground equipment.
RF and antenna
technology
RF modules and antenna assemblies, built with shielding and grounding in mind.
Smart home and
building products
Connected locks, alarms, room booking panels and building controls.
Why OEMs come to us
What brings communications
OEMs to NOTE
01
Redesigning for
the 2G switch-off
UK networks start switching off 2G from 2029. We help you move devices to 4G and beyond, from DFM review through to the first production run.
02
Meeting new
cyber rules
The EU Radio Equipment Directive cyber rules and UK product security law are now in force. We offer controlled production, full build records and ISO 27001 at Hook (STI) and Poynton (STI).
03
Building closer
to home
Six UK manufacturing sites mean shorter supply lines, fewer surprises and engineers you can meet face to face.
04
Fixing RF
yield problems
RF-sensitive assembly, AOI and X-ray as standard and RF calibration in functional test, so your boards perform to specification before they leave us.
How we manufacture
How NOTE in the UK builds
communications electronics
Certified to ISO 9001 and built to IPC standards, with CE marking applied on customer instruction. These are the four areas communications customers ask us about most.
01
RF-sensitive
assembly
Communications electronics are sensitive to RF interference, grounding and component placement. Our PCBA process for RF products covers shielding integration, controlled impedance board handling and careful placement, so assemblies perform to specification where they are installed.
02
High-density
PCB assembly
IoT devices, network switches and infrastructure boards combine fine-pitch SMT, BGAs and mixed technology in compact layouts. We build them to IPC-A-610 on automated placement and reflow lines, with AOI and X-ray inspection as standard.
03
Lifecycle
support
Communications products face fast technology cycles and long field lives at the same time. We support the whole programme, from NPI and prototypes to volume production, obsolescence management, and after-sales repair and test.
04
Secure
production
For products that handle sensitive data or go into secure environments, we run controlled production areas with documented access and build records that trace every unit from component to finished product. ISO 27001 is held at Hook (STI) and Poynton (STI).
Inside NOTE in the UK: a communications build · 1:25
Read the video transcript
The world of communication is characterised by rapid change and complex technological needs, presenting significant challenges for businesses operating in this segment. To stay ahead in such a dynamic environment, precision, innovation and agility in manufacturing are paramount.
At NOTE, we embrace these challenges, transforming them into cutting-edge communication solutions, serving as a dedicated manufacturing partner to our customers. Our expertise in the communication sector is not just about manufacturing, it’s about enabling seamless global connectivity.
Our journey with each customer begins with understanding their unique requirements. From global network infrastructure to the latest in smart home devices, we bring your innovative ideas to life. Our modern facilities are equipped to accommodate the needs of communication technology customers, guaranteeing that each product we manufacture represents a significant advancement in this ever-evolving industry.
At NOTE, we’re focused on the manufacturing of high-end network products, optical transmission systems, satellite communication components, all tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Join us in shaping the future of communication. Reach out today and let’s connect the world together.
See it on the line
From circuit design
to assembly
A short look at communications electronics at NOTE, from the products our customers make to the people and production lines that build them.
- Where it ends up: satellite ground stations, data centres and smart homes
- PCB design and automated SMT placement on our production lines
- Hand soldering, assembly and inspection by our teams
- Our UK sites in Windsor, Haddenham, Basildon and Wolverhampton
Customer story
Vicon Motion Systems
and NOTE Windsor
Vicon, based in Oxford, is a world leader in motion capture. The team has worked with NOTE Windsor since 2011, across two generations of its products.
2011
Working together since
2
Product generations
Oxford
Customer base
Windsor
NOTE site
What Our Customers Say
One partner, end to end
Where we support your
communications programme
01 Development
Design support, DFM reviews and component selection, so your board is ready to build from day one.
Explore Development →02 Prototyping
Engineering prototypes, production feedback and test set-up before you commit to volume.
Explore Prototyping →03 Sourcing
Component sourcing through the NOTE Group supply chain, with order quantities planned around your forecast.
Explore Sourcing →04 Manufacturing
PCB assembly, box build and system integration, from batch runs to volume production, built to IPC-A-610.
Explore Manufacturing →05 After-sales and EOL
Repair, test, fault analysis and obsolescence management to keep your products working in the field.
Explore After-sales & EOL →Next steps
Starting a project
with NOTE
1
Send us your
brief
Share your drawings, BOM or just the problem you are trying to solve.
2
Review
and quote
Our engineers check your design for manufacturability and come back with a quote.
3
First
prototypes
We build your first prototypes so you can test before committing to volume.
Frequently asked questions
Communications manufacturing
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