By Robert Andrews BBC News Online

Businesses in Wales are being offered state help with the cost of acquiring the new generation of internet access.

The Welsh Assembly Government is giving firms up to �1,500 to subscribe to a commercial supplier of broadband internet provision.

It is the first pay-out from the one of Europe's most ambitious public-sector programmes to make the super-fast internet linkage more widely available to industry.

In July this year, the assembly government unveiled it �100m Broadband Wales project to plug the gap left by telecoms providers.

Who qualifies?

Businesses employing up to 249 Turnover less than �25m Less than �66,000 state aid in last three years Local planning permission for satellite dish received Must show projected productivity benefits Must give official quote for satellite broadband installation

It aims to stimulate the use of the super-fast connectivity in areas where BT has not made vital upgrades to telephone exchanges - especially rural regions.

The assembly is prepared to shoulder the cost of the service for up to 67,000 businesses and 310,000 domestic customers under the UK government's pledge to drive down prices by 30%.

The assembly's broadband-awareness campaign is offering small businesses the chance check out "try-before-you-buy" showrooms demonstrating its usefulness.

Information society

Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies has long been frustrated by the switch-over rate from ADSL to broadband, which he believes is hampering his plans to build an information-based entrepreneurial culture in Wales.

Whilst 66% of the UK can receive broadband, only about 30% of Wales is covered.

As a result, Mr Davies has backed all manner of alternatives, including a free community wireless network operated by an eclectic group of hobbyists in Cardiff.

Now even rural businesses can access broadband

He charged the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) with ways to expand broadband usage in Wales.

The result was Broadband Wales and, three months on, the offer of a reduced-price subscription is the first fruit of the scheme.

Qualifying businesses will, in effect, have a satellite-based broadband service for the price of cable and ADSL options.

Mr Davies said: "Broadband technology is the key to ensuring that Wales is equipped with the first-class communication infrastructure we need to enhance our communities [and] build a successful economy."

WDA director of media and technology programmes, Patrick Sullivan, said: "Relevant services are not available everywhere in Wales.

"All businesses in Wales are being offered this service. We believe it is critically important."

Broadband Wales is next expected to offer commercial companies cash incentives to further roll-out broadband services in Wales.