School children will be among half a million people to benefit from an innovative broadband scheme in North Yorkshire.

Telecoms firms MLL Telecom and Alcatel will team up to provide a countywide broadband network that will connect schools, libraries, council offices and other public bodies across the largely rural county.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) regards broadband as crucial to the local economy.

Not only with public services benefit but spare capacity will be sold on to local businesses at a discounted rate.

Social inclusion

"A countywide broadband network is an asset to be enjoyed and used by all members of the community," said John Moore, Director of Finance at NYCC.

Godfrey Wilson, the Managing Director of MLL Telecom thinks it is vital that rural communities can reap the benefits of broadband access.

"Widespread access to information and communication technology is viewed as an essential enabler of economic growth, social inclusion, efficient public services and e-government," he said.

From the government's point of view broadband access in rural areas is important not just to avoid a digital divide but also to put it on target to be the most competitive country for broadband by 2005.

"I am delighted to hear about this announcement," said e-envoy Andrew Pinder.

"We welcome and encourage more councils to establish initiatives such as this one, which enable all sectors of the community to access the wider benefits of broadband," he said.