Internet cable 'bridging divide'

The high speed network stretches from Caernarfon to Wrexham

A project to improve high speed internet connections across north Wales has been officially launched.

The scheme has seen 200 miles of optic fibre cable laid from Holyhead on Anglesey to Manchester.

The £30m FibreSpeed initiative connects business parks and industrial estates between Caernarfon and Wrexham directly into the UK's main broadband link.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones said it would "substantially enhance" Wales' internet infrastructure.

"This exciting advance helps arm Welsh businesses with a powerful competitive advantage in resisting the global financial crisis and preparing for the economic upturn that will follow," said Mr Jones.

"It will also in due course encourage development of a comprehensive network to serve a growing number of communities."

Future plans

The project is planned as the first phase of long-term assembly government plans to make high speed data services available throughout Wales.

It is being trumpeted as the first public-private scheme of its kind in the UK, with funding from both the assembly government and European grants.

According to FibreSpeed, businesses that rely on moving huge amounts of data around the internet are currently paying six times as much as their counterparts in London and south-east England.

FibreSpeed Chief Executive, Chris Smedley added: "Access to high speed communications has been highlighted as a critical part of success in the modern world, spanning every aspect of life from children's performance at school to businesses' ability to compete in the global economy."

Initially, it is envisaged that business users at 14 sites across north Wales will be the main customers for the service.

However, it is hoped that other internet service providers will be interested in extending the network throughout the region, opening up a possibility in the future of ultra-fast broadband connections for more rural communities.