RURAL communities and businesses in Wiltshire are set to join the on-line revolution in a multi-million pound initiative announced this week.

Wiltshire and Swindon Smartplace, a partnership including councils and businesses, has launched a £7million campaign to introduce BT Broadband to the county.

This is one of the largest private and public sector partnerships that has ever been seen in the county.

More than 12 exchanges in the county are already equipped with Broadband but now many more will be brought on-line.

Six exchanges at Chiseldon, Keevil, Bromham, Pewsey, Westbury and Wilton will be providing Broadband services by early October and a further five at Purton, Cricklade, Seend, Amesbury and Hawthorn will be upgraded before Christmas.

A further nine BT exchanges will get Broadband later this year in Corsham, Malmesbury, Wootton Bassett, Stratton St Margaret, Bradenstoke, South Cerney, Highworth, Sherston and Warminster.

The project is a joint venture 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.

Centres will be set up throughout the region to train businesses and local people on how to take advantage of the new Internet connection.

The aim is to make Broadband accessible to a further 63,000 households and 6,000 businesses in the country.

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

Backers hope Broadband will create a stronger local economy.

Coun Jane Scott, the leader of Wiltshire County Council, said: "For local people it will mean increased learning and development opportunities and play a crucial role in helping us deal with key issues, such as social exclusion.

"Local businesses will be able to use Broadband in ways that improve their competitiveness, profitability and customer service.

"This is a very important step forward for Wiltshire; it is absolutely vital that our people and businesses are able to fully benefit from the huge opportunities offered by Broadband."

Centres will be set up across the region to teach people in rural communities how to take advantage of the Internet service.

Adult and child after-school classes will also be run and a mobile education unit will be touring the area.

At the launch on Monday, it was announced the project should be up and running by October.

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

"But by bringing in broadband we will also encourage new companies to move in and take advantage."

BT will be injecting £3million into the project.

The rest of the funds will come from others in the partnership.