Boston Networks said it would lead a £6 million project to build and operate “the most advanced” Internet of Things (IoT) network in the United Kingdom (UK).
According to a post on its Site, IoT Scotland said the new UK IoT network will be called ‘IoT Scotland’. It will provide a wireless sensor network for applications and services to collect data from devices and send that data without the need for cellular or WiFi, supporting businesses develop new and innovative applications, changing the way they work.
The UK IoT network will allow businesses and the public sector 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, with the remaining investment coming from Boston Networks, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The blogpost quoted Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes as saying, “The Internet of Things is set to transform every sector of our economy, from manufacturing to agriculture and presents an exciting opportunity to revolutionise 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.”
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.”
Image Credit: Iot Scotland