Web access upgrade for seaside town

Thousands of businesses will benefit from the upgrade

High-speed internet access is on offer to more than 13,000 homes after British Telecom (BT) upgraded a telephone exchange in north Wales on Friday.

BT have ploughed more than £250,000 into updating the system in Rhyl.

One thousand exchanges have already been upgraded across the UK, Rhyl is part of the second phase

Deiniol Tegid, BT

The revamp means, subject to line-checks, homes and businesses within 5.5km of the exchange can benefit from a speedy on-line connection.

Broadband improves the speed and quality of connections and increases the amount of information that can be carried over a telephone line or cable.

BT spokesman Deiniol Tegid said the initiative has been rolled out across Britain.

"One thousand exchanges have already been upgraded across the UK - Rhyl is part of the second phase.

"Wrexham, Denbigh, Llandudno, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead have already been improved."

Rhyl's telephone exchange has been revamped

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) - the most common form of broadband technology - will be installed in the exchange from Friday.

The move follows an initiative by the Welsh Assembly to create an e-Wales.

The administration has invested £18m to roll out high-speed network connections and internet access to schools, libraries and learning centres.

The updated system in Denbighshire has been welcomed by Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones.

"It is vital that Rhyl is ready and able to exploit the new technologies that are transforming our society."

She added: "Access to broadband services will allow local businesses to make better use of information and communications technology.

"I hope it will give a real boost to Rhyl as a place to do business."