THE Internet of Things network is nearly at full coverage in Glasgow and Edinburgh, according to the company rolling it out.

Boston Networks said 99.7% has been achieved in Glasgow and 95% in Edinburgh, offering businesses and public sector organisations access to technologies that will transform the way they operate.

Internet of Things (IoT) Scotland will be a nationwide network of sensors which allow apps and services to collect data from devices and deliver it without the need for cellular or WiFi. It has been described as the most advanced in the UK.

The £6 million network is funded by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, plus private investment from Boston Networks itself.

Boston Networks CEO, Scott McEwan, said: “We are delighted to have successfully established IoT Scotland across our two largest cities and are excited about the roll-out taking place in our local authority areas across the country.

“Never before have businesses and public sector bodies been able to access an advanced and extensive network like this. There has been significant interest regarding how this technology could be used to gather data and make organisations more efficient and productive.

“The IoT network will revolutionise how we use smart technologies here in Scotland, with significant benefits for organisations of all sizes and their clients, all at very low cost.”

The benefits of IoT will not be restricted to Scotland’s most populous cities – networks are already up and running in Argyll & Bute and the Western Isles, with the Scottish Borders, Stirling, Perth, Orkney, Aberdeenshire and Dundee all on track to be completed this month.

By the end of November, more than 30% of businesses, six local authorities and almost 1.4m people will have access to reliable IoT connectivity across Scotland.

Discussions are underway, and surveys complete to roll out to a further seven local authority areas within six months.

Scottish Government Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes, praised the progress made so far.

She said: “The Internet of Things is a transformative technology which presents an exciting opportunity for Scotland’s public services, our businesses and our people.

“Today’s announcement is another step towards Scotland becoming a leader in innovative new technologies and underlines the progress that is being made in achieving widespread access to low-cost next-generation connectivity.”

Boston Networks is collaborating with a range of businesses including Eildon Housing Association which has 2500 properties across the Scottish Borders.

Eildon chief executive Nile Istephan said: “By helping to facilitate this local network we can pave the way for not only

our organisation but others across the region to make use of these smart technologies.”