The money will be used to promote the use of broadband - a kind of high-speed internet connection - by small-to-medium sized businesses in the county.

It will also provide for 35 community access points called "Broadplaces".

Shropshire County Council hopes to attract a further �1m from the private sector in an effort to bring broadband services to remote rural areas of Shropshire.

Phil Box, the cabinet member responsible for the issue, said: "The current lack of affordable broadband services in rural Shropshire is a substantial barrier to business growth and to economic regeneration in the area."

He added: "The availability and use of affordable broadband services will enhance business competitiveness."

The �4m is coming from the European Regional Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration Zone.