Broadband gives users "instant" access to the web

Communities across the island will soon be able to surf the net at high speeds and access a range of services via the web and digital television.

The new hi-tech connection is also hailed as a revolutionary step for rural businesses that want to join the world of e-commerce.

The Anglesey Connected project will create a broadband network across the whole island, and has been made possible because of �1.3m of funding under the European Union's Objective One scheme.

It is expected the project will start this month with a mast being raised at Penmynydd in April.

Having broadband access will be as important as having a telephone Iwan Roberts, Deudraeth Cyf

Broadband access is at least 30 times faster than conventional dial-up connections using a phone line from a computer.

Head of ICT Services on Anglesey, David Gardner, explained: "This new infrastructure will provide high-speed broadband access across the island.

"The initial phase will connect all schools, libraries and learning centres to the network.

"The second phase will provide further community access points in the catchment areas they serve.

"It's intended that the development of this ICT backbone will allow further expansion to provide access to the business sector and public in the future."

Hi-tech link for schools

The local authority's head of education, Geraint Elis, welcomed the project.

He said: "The Department looks forward to the development of this new hi-tech link with the island's schools.

"Broadband facilities will allow teachers and pupils alike to quickly tap into many valuable and exciting educational resources."

Broadband is already on its way to other parts of the north west.

In the Vale of Ffestiniog, local company Deudraeth Cyf. was successful in securing European funding recently.

Homes in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Maentwrog, Porthmadog, Harlech and Penrhyndeudraeth will be able to connect to the high-speed network for a fee of between �15 - 20 per month in a couple of months.

Anglesey's economy suffered because of foot-and-mouth

"Having broadband access will be as important as having a telephone," said Iwan Roberts, Development Manager of Deudraeth Cyf.

"The benefits are wide-ranging.

"For household use, it means the internet is always 'on' and people can send and receive e-mails and download videos more quickly, as well as being able to make local calls free of charge.

"For businesses it means rural Wales can compete with large cities anywhere in the world.

"It enables people who commute to their work place at the moment to work from home," he said.