The Scottish government has invested a total of $3.5 million in this IoT project
Business in Scotland will benefit from a new internet of things network launched through a private-public initiative.The new network, called IoT Scotland, will enable all businesses to have the ability to monitor the efficiency and productivity of their assets, equipment, scheduling maintenance and improving production.
The three-year project includes investment from the public and private sector with the Scottish government investing £2.7 million ($3.5 million), with the remaining investment coming from Boston Networks.
“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,” Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes said.
“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,” she added.
“As the network is rolled out across the country, it will enable companies to innovate, providing low-cost access to next-generation connectivity, helping organizations develop new solutions and devices with global export potential.”
Forbes also said that the new IoT 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.
Falk Bleyl, CTO at Boston Networks said: “Boston Networks is excited to be leading the pioneering project to build and operate the IoT network which will drive the commercialization of the internet of things across Scotland.” “This new network, which will be the most advanced in the UK, has the potential to revolutionize 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.”
Boston Networks highlighted that 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.
