diff --git a/ndn-cpp/c/util/time.c b/ndn-cpp/c/util/time.c
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a794047
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ndn-cpp/c/util/time.c
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+/**
+ * Copyright (C) 2013 Regents of the University of California.
+ * @author: Jeff Thompson <jefft0@remap.ucla.edu>
+ * See COPYING for copyright and distribution information.
+ */
+
+#include <sys/time.h>
+#include "time.h"
+
+double 
+ndn_getNowMilliseconds()
+{
+  struct timeval t;
+  gettimeofday(&t, 0);
+  return t.tv_sec * 1000.0 + t.tv_usec / 1000.0;
+}