PEOPLE in Wiltshire are being encouraged to sign up for broadband, the faster and more efficient way of connecting to the internet.

A partnership of councils and businesses has launched a £7m campaign to introduce BT Broadband, and educate people about its benefits.

Broadband works over existing telephone wires using digital technology.

Its benefits include an 'always on' connection and fixed monthly charges. It also provides a much faster internet connection.

Training centres will be set up and schools will run after-school classes for adults and children. A mobile education unit will tour the area.

Backers hope broadband will help strengthen the local economy.

Cllr Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire County Council, said: "It will increase learning and development opportunities.

"Businesses will be able to improve their competitiveness, profitability and customer service."

The multi-million pound project is a partnership between Wiltshire County Council, BT, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, four district councils, Swindon Borough Council, Business Link, Wiltshire Learning and Skills Council and Community First.

BT will be introducing broadband and is investing £3m. The rest of the funding will come from the partnership.

Cllr Scott said: "It is vital we are able to benefit fully from the huge opportunities broadband offers."

Cllr Scott said: "In Wiltshire 56 per cent of people are connected to the internet but only two per cent have a broadband connection. We aim to increase this massively."

Philip Watkins, of the South West Regional Development Agency, said: "This initiative will help old, existing and new businesses."

The project should be up and running by October and new exchanges are already being set up.

Six exchanges, including one at Westbury, will be providing broadband by early October and a further five, including one at Seend, will be upgraded before Christmas.

A further nine BT exchanges will go live later this year, including sites in Corsham and Warminster.

Broadband should be available to 80 per cent of people in Wiltshire within three years.