The new network, called IoT Scotland, will establish a wireless sensor network for applications and services to collect data from devices and send that data without the need for 3G/4G or WiFi – supporting businesses in the development of new and innovative applications.

The network will enable all businesses to monitor the efficiency and productivity of their assets and equipment, schedule maintenance and improve production.

For example, IoT Scotland could support the wider use of smart bins that wirelessly inform local authorities when they require emptying, ensuring the best use of bin lorries but also helping to reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, the network could monitor office environments to lower costs by saving energy, while reducing the overall carbon footprint of the businesses.

New IoT Network Will Transform All Sectors

The three-year project includes investment from the public and private sector with the Scottish Government investing £2.7 million, with the remaining investment coming from Boston Networks. Scottish Enterprise will contribute £113,000 while Highlands and Island Enterprise will provide an additional £30,000.

Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes said: “The Internet of Things is set to transform every sector of our economy, from manufacturing to agriculture and presents an exciting opportunity to revolutionize the way businesses and the public sector across Scotland work.

“Our £2.7m investment in this project underpins our vision of a Scotland that stimulates innovation, welcomes investment and promotes its digital industries. We want Scotland to be recognised internationally as a natural test bed for innovation in connectivity which is why we are investing in our digital infrastructure.

“As the network is rolled out across the country, it will enable companies to innovate, providing low-cost access to next-generation connectivity, helping organisations develop new solutions and devices with global export potential.”#

IoT Network to Support Scotland’s Role as a Digital Leader

Falk Bleyl, Chief Technology Officer, Boston Networks stated: “The wide reaching network, which will be the most advanced in the UK, has the potential to revolutionise the use of smart technologies and will be rolled out in cities, towns and rural areas across the country. The network will allow a wide range of users, from small IoT start-ups to multinationals to focus on the deployment of sensors and applications, rather than network build.”

Ian Reid, CENSIS CEO, commented: “It is forecast that there will be 25 billion IoT devices connected by 2025 and only a small number will be connected to the internet using 3G, 4G or WiFi. Low power wide area networks like IoT Scotland are going to become increasingly important – they have the potential to be as disruptive to businesses as the internet has been already to our daily lives.”

Linda Hanna, Managing Director at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “It’s vitally important that we invest in assets like this so businesses can reap the benefits and we can continue to attract world leading data companies to locate in Scotland.”

“By using data to inform business decisions, companies are in a stronger position to innovate products and services, generate new revenue streams and increase efficiencies. Our Data Advisory Service is helping many businesses understand how they can get the most out of their data to accelerate growth and we’re keen to work with even more that could benefit from the IoT Scotland network.”

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