Scheme to improve digital coverage in rural Angus

Several fixed radio masts will be erected in different areas across the county to improve coverage for remote homes and businesses via high quality wireless solutions.

Funding for the scheme has come from the Tay Cities Region Deal.

The council is working with Rapier Systems Ltd to build the core infrastructure, and partnering with SmartRural to accelerate the digitisation of the county. It will also provide Internet Service Providers with the infrastructure to deliver Superfast Broadband

Councillor David Fairweather, council leader, 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 physical infrastructure. Our commitment to ensuring digital is at the heart of everything 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."

Paul Lindop at SmartRural said that the county is at the forefront of trialling and delivering a whole range of rural Use Cases supporting the digitisation of rural Scotland – from agriculture to rail infrastructure and from tourist locations to power network operations.

He continued: "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.” 

Richard Watson, Rapier Systems managing director, added: “It is encouraging to see a local authority play such an important part in a project like this, helping to leverage real-world benefits for rural businesses. Obtaining connectivity speeds previously the preserve of larger towns and cities will enable the broadband playing field to be more level than ever before.”