North Wales broadband improvement

Internet users in north Wales may be able to access the internet at greater speeds soon thanks to a new fibre-optic project.

Around 200 miles of fibre cable has been installed from Holyhead on Anglesey to Manchester where it joins the UK's main broadband line as part of the £30 million FibreSpeed initiative.

This will "substantially enhance" the internet experience of homes and businesses between Caernarfon and Wrexham, according to the deputy first minister of Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

He said: "This exciting advance helps arm Welsh businesses with a powerful competitive advantage in resisting the global financial crisis and preparing for the economic upturn that will follow.

"It will also in due course encourage development of a comprehensive network to serve a growing number of communities."

FibreSpeed received funding from both the public and private spheres and according to the company it "should be a benchmark project" for similar schemes in the UK and Europe.