Company

RFI: Our depth of knowledge means that we help you navigate the approvals process to launch your products on time.

What do we do?

At RFI Global, we are a leading provider of testing, approval and consultancy services to the global technology market. As an independent private company, we use our depth of knowledge, high quality of service and over 20 years of experience to help guide your products through the approvals process, so you can bring them to market in the quickest possible time.

Our expertise covers a wide range of technologies including Cellular, Wireless and Smart Card technologies, with particular emphasis on convergent products (i.e. those that combine multiple technologies). We have been at the forefront of new developments for many years, and continue to do so in the mobile payments arena. Our experience in wireless communications, payment functionalities and security means we are uniquely positioned to help bring the worlds of payments and mobile devices together for the future.

We make it easier for you by offering a one-stop-shop for product testing and approvals, from testing to project management and consultative support. We also offer subcontract support for those who may need some technical assistance to take a product from the final stages of R&D to a market launch. 

About RFI

From our beginnings as the first private laboratory in the UK, RFI has been at the forefront of many technological developments. From GSM in 1992, Smart cards (chip and PIN) in 2001, Bluetooth and 3G in 2002, contactless cards in 2005 and now wireless payments technology, we are leading the way in testing new engineering developments which will change how we live and work.

Our very experienced management team have an average of 12 years with the company, and all employees an average of seven years. Two thirds of our company are engineers, with a combined nearly 700 man years of industry experience. Our global reputation for high quality service, breadth and depth of experience and focus on customer service all help us to ensure your product gets to market in the quickest possible time. And because we have flexibility, we can help you resolve any issues that come up.

We’re involved in many industry-specific accreditations such as Global Platform and Standards Institute – click here to read our full list of accreditations.

Our history – the first private laboratory in the UK

RFI was the first private test laboratory in the UK, founded in 1987, following the advent of EMC legislation for non-military products. At that time only government and specialised military laboratories were available to test these products. These laboratories were used to operating on timescales of a year or more, and had no understanding of the commercial pressures facing a business trying to take a product to market.

Founders Stephen Kirk and Brian Watson started RFI as the first private EMC laboratory in the country, reducing testing lead times from six months to four weeks! Since then we have rapidly grown into a company at the forefront of many technologies, with extremely fast-paced lead times. Because we are an independent testing laboratory, our focus is to work with you to pass the tests and gain the standards and accreditation you need.

As a high quality, service-lead organisation, we will work with you to provide the support you need to get your products to market in the quickest time possible. Whether you need consultancy advice, subcontract support or testing, we can help save you time and money. Contact us or ask an expert to find out more about what we can do for you.