A WELSH Government minister has spent the day in Gwynedd’s digital playground.

The first Digital Playground in north Wales, which offers exciting opportunities to experiment with the Internet of Things in a rural setting, was visited recently by leader of the house with responsibility for digital Julie James.

Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig working with Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor is trialling LoRaWAN technology which allows things to talk to the internet without 3G or wifi.

It features low battery usage, long range and low bandwidth which is particularly useful in rural areas.

The trial, which also involves Gwynedd Council, will assess how the Internet of Things could benefit rural communities in Gwynedd.

Local tech developers and students have been working together to think how the Internet of Things could help solve some of the problems rural areas face and a number of sensors have already been placed around Glynllifon’s extensive grounds which, for example, can send an alert if a litter bin needs emptying, if a vaccine fridge is getting too warm or if a gate is opened during the night.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It’s also funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Gwynedd Council.

Julie James said: “It’s been great to see this development at Glynllifon using LoRaWAN technology, which is ideal for developing the Internet of Things in rural areas.

“I’m pleased it has been supported by the Rural Development Plan and I look forward to hearing the impact the project has made and what lessons can be learned for other rural settings.

“In our Mobile Action Plan we have said we need to support innovative and emerging technologies, particularly in rural areas, and this is very much an example of that.”

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