Businesses in Scotland are set to benefit from the most advanced Internet of Things (IoT) network in the UK, as part of a £6 million project that will see the roll-out of a LoRa Network across the country, allowing business to benefit from ‘state of the art’ connectivity via small low-power battery-operated devices and use the internet without the need for 4G or WiFi.

As the network is rolled out across the country, it will give companies of all sizes the opportunity to innovate, providing low-cost access to next-generation connectivity and helping organisations to grow through the development of new solutions and devices with global export potential.

Project partners include the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Boston Networks.

Ian Reid, CEO of CENSUS (the Glasgow-based industry-led Innovation Centre), said: “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.”

MSP Kate Forbes said: “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 to pilot their ideas and then launch proven sustainable products and services into the global market.”