The government is keen to promote the take-up of broadband

Delegates at the eEurope4all showcase, which begins on Tuesday in Londonderry, will be shown a range of websites from across Europe which are using cutting edge web techniques.

Broadband is the system which allows "always on" access to the internet at much faster speeds than traditional dial-up connections.

Northern Ireland will be the first region in Europe to have 100% broadband access, with full access expected to be available throughout the province by the end of next year.

The conference is showing the application of broadband technology in areas such as education, health, business, government and in community and voluntary work.

Those attending the conference will get a demonstration of a Spanish "e-hospital" which has integrated patient records with diagnostic equipment such as radiological procedures or X-rays.

It will allow delegates to make innovative improvements to their own systems and to ensure Northern Ireland stays at the cutting edge of ICT Barry Gardiner NIO minister

All communications with other hospitals and patients are carried out using computers and mobile phone text messaging.

Another website being highlighted is an Indian initiative dubbed the "e-rickshaw" which allows visitors to take a virtual journey through Banaras, one of the country's most popular pilgrimage destinations.

Anyone who finds the event too hectic can relax by logging on to a Swedish web-based project which assesses the effect of stress on mental and physical well-being, and provides exercises to aid relaxation.

A County Donegal computer games company will be demonstrating its techniques for the various stages of games development, from story-boarding to graphics editing.

Also on show will be a lifelong learning portal site for Northern Irish students, which links to a range of services on courses and careers.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Barry Gardiner said: "This is an opportunity for all those involved in the information society to check out interactive examples of best practice from across Europe.

"It will allow delegates to make innovative improvements to their own systems and to ensure Northern Ireland stays at the cutting edge of ICT."

'Showcase'

Mr Gardiner emphasised that the event was not confined to a conference hall.

"An entire section of Derry will be broadband-enabled to showcase the technology in 'real' surroundings," he said.

"This will also exemplify the benefits of the recently announced broadband initiative that will set Northern Ireland up as the European leader by becoming the first region in Europe committed to achieving 100% equitable broadband coverage by 2005."

The government is keen to promote the take-up of broadband, saying its use could produce �4.7bn in productivity and cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

BT has been awarded the contract to deliver the services by the end of 2005.