Angus Council has said it is strengthening the local digital infrastructure with the erection of several fixed radio masts in a project with Rapier Systems.
It has also indicated plans to increase the use of internet of things (IoT) technology in its areas.
The project has received funding from the Tay Cities Region Deal and is aimed at improving the area’s digital connectivity. It will provide internet service providers with the infrastructure to deliver superfast broadband to rural residences and businesses.
The IoT element will initially involve trials under which Network Rail, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and other rural infrastructure owners and operators will explore the use of sensor technology, with an emphasis on energy saving and progress towards net zero carbon emissions.
Council leader, Councillor David Fairweather said: “Connectivity is a vital part of how businesses across Angus improve productivity, unleash new and innovative businesses processes and open up new opportunities and markets.
“We view our commitment to investing in digital infrastructure as being as vital to economic growth, and equally important as the physical infrastructure of our roads, rail and buildings. Our commitment to ensuring digital is at the heart of everything that we do, ensures that we will continue to deliver an inclusive economic growth, reform our public services and prepare our children for the workplace of the future."
Trialing use cases
Paul Lindop at SmartRural – a co-operative for improving digital infrastructure for farms – said: “Angus is at the forefront of trialing and delivering a whole range of rural use cases supporting the digitisation of rural Scotland – from agriculture to rail infrastructure, from tourist locations to power network operations.
“We are extremely pleased to see that SSEN are already using SmartRural’s LoRaWAN network to perform field trials of devices that could potentially form part of their future smart grid, delivering decarbonisation of transport and heating for rural areas. We look forward to seeing other parties come forward and use this unique rural asset that Angus Council have created.”
Image from iStock, Yanawut
