Aberdeen and Orkney will be among the next areas to benefit from the multi-million pound Scotland-wide roll-out of “Internet of Things” (IoT) networks.
The technology allows everyday electrical objects to send and receive data, with potential uses including new product development, systems to support independent living and environmental and building monitoring.
A consortium, including the publicly-funded Scottish Innovation Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems (CENSIS) will work with local partners to set up low power wide area (LoRa) networks in the city and islands.
The group, which includes specialist companies Stream Technologies and Boston Networks, established its first network in Glasgow earlier this year. It has since launched another at development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s headquarters in Inverness.
Rolling IoT networks out throughout Scotland will cost up to £5 million, according to and estimate by the consortium.
Mark Begbie, business development director at CENSIS, said: “Scotland has all the ingredients required to be a world-class digital location.
“As we roll out LoRa across the country, the affordable, open networks will give SMEs low-cost access to next-generation connectivity, helping them to grow through the development of new solutions and devices with global export potential.
“These new IoT networks will be a force for public good too, through the monitoring and protection of the vulnerable in society, as well as our historic sites and the environment.”
Networks will also be set up in Paisley and Dundee in the latest phase of the roll-out.