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18 June 2025
The Huntly 5G project, funded by the Aberdeen City Region Deal (ACRD) and delivered by the SAOS group, is the first in Scotland to deliver live customer connections using Tarana Wireless’s fibre-class next generation Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology.
The technology was deployed across rural areas surrounding Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which served as a testbed for demonstrating how wireless ultrafast broadband can be delivered quickly and reliably in communities where traditional fibre infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical to install. The network has been in development since January 2025 with the first domestic customers connected in early June 2025.
Working in partnership with Aberdeen-based connectivity specialists Scot-Tel-Gould, the project has validated a robust and scalable wireless solution with the potential to transform connectivity for rural and remote parts of the region. Unlike conventional wireless systems, Tarana’s technology is specifically engineered to deliver fibre-like speeds over long distances, even in challenging rural conditions with limited infrastructure.
The Huntly 5G deployment forms part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal’s broader strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure, accelerate innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, and promote inclusive economic growth across the North East of Scotland.
Georgi Hristov, Technical Director, Scot-Tel-Gould, said: “The Huntly 5G project has proven the performance and reliability of Tarana’s next generation Fixed Wireless Access technology in rural environments. It has given us the confidence to invest in rolling out this solution in other parts of Aberdeenshire as a scalable and cost-effective way to close the digital divide in hard-to-reach communities.”
Angus Yarwood, SAOS group Project Manager, noted: “This technology has huge potential to support innovation in agriculture and rural industries, where reliable broadband is increasingly essential to adopting new tools, systems, and data-driven approaches. The support of the Aberdeen City Region Deal has been instrumental in helping us demonstrate how cutting-edge connectivity can make a real difference in rural areas.”
Notes to Editors:
The Aberdeen City Region Deal, launched November 2016, is a strategic partnership involving the UK and Scottish governments, local authorities, and key stakeholders aimed at driving economic growth and diversification in the Aberdeen area. With a focus on reducing reliance on the oil and gas sector, the deal promotes investment in infrastructure, skills development, and innovation, particularly in renewable energy and technology. Supported by significant financial commitments, the initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, positioning the region for a sustainable and prosperous future. More details available at: https://abz-deal.investaberdeen.co.uk/
Scot-Tel-Gould Ltd. is a leading Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) based in Aberdeen, dedicated to delivering high-speed internet connectivity to underserved and rural communities across Scotland. Committed to bridging the digital divide, the company utilises advanced wireless technology to provide reliable and affordable internet solutions, ensuring that both residential and business customers can access essential online services. Scot-Tel-Gould Ltd. prides itself on its customer-centric approach, offering tailored packages and exceptional support to meet the diverse needs of its clients. As part of its mission to enhance digital inclusion, the company continues to expand its network infrastructure, fostering economic growth and connectivity in the region. https://www.scot-tel-gould.co.uk
Tarana Wireless is a pioneering technology company transforming broadband connectivity through innovative wireless infrastructure solutions. Headquartered in Milpitas, California, Tarana has developed the breakthrough G1 platform—an industry-first next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) system. The Tarana G1 product delivers fibre-class broadband speeds and reliability without the cost, delay, and disruption of trenching fibre, even in challenging non-line-of-sight and interference-heavy environments. With deployments in over 30 countries and growing, Tarana’s G1 is revolutionising the economics of high-speed internet delivery for underserved urban, suburban, and rural communities worldwide.