The project, called IoT Scotland, will see the rollout of a LoRa Network across the country, allowing business to benefit from state-of-the-art connectivity.
The network will provide a wireless sensor network for applications and services to collect data from devices and send that data without the need for 3G/4G or Wi-Fi, supporting businesses develop new and innovative applications, changing the way they work.
The network will enable all businesses to have the ability to monitor the efficiency and productivity of their assets, equipment, scheduling maintenance and improving production.
For example, IoT Scotland could support wider use of smart bins that wirelessly inform local authorities when they require emptying, ensuring 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 carbon footprints of buildings.
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, a £113,000 contribution from Scottish Enterprise and £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Kate Forbes MSP, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, 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 £2.7 million 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.
“We made a commitment in the 2017/18 Programme for Government to invest in a new wireless sensor network. This network supports full commercial use of IoT in Scotland and will help transform the potential for businesses and the public sector to explore sensor and imaging applications, to pilot their ideas and then launch proven, sustainable products and services into the global market.”
Innovation centre CENSIS launched Scotland’s first LoRa network in Glasgow back in 2016, and is supporting a number of projects that already use LoRa connectivity.
Ian Reid, CENSIS CEO said: “We are proud to have played a key role in the genesis of this project, having spotted the potential of a national IoT network several years ago.
“IoT will transform the business models of many industries of importance to the Scottish economy, either creating internal efficiencies or introducing new revenue streams. Businesses will be able to see in real time how products or services are performing or being used.
“We look forward to working with companies to help them explore the possibilities and potential of this new network.”
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