Groupe Pathfinder link all of Angleseys schools and libraries with broadband network

Anglesey County Council chooses Groupe Pathfinder to design and install a broadband network delivering very fast internet access into all the schools, libraries and learning centres across the Island of Anglesey. This wireless network uses a 155 Megabit core of microwave links, with multiple wireless feeds off the core to all the 90 locations around the island.

(PRWEB) August 23, 2003 -- Anglesey County Council is currently implementing Phase One of a project delivering broadband connectivity to the island's schools, libraries and learning centres. Groupe Pathfinder, a leading broadband design company, has designed and is currently installing this unique broadband computer network. The first phase of the network, which provides the schools with a very fast link to the Internet, is being installed on schedule and within budget, despite being very innovative.

Phase Two of the network is already in the planning stage, with the County Council seeking to enable broadband connectivity for the islands businesses, communities and home-users who need high speed data transfer and want to link several sites. It could also have enormous benefits in public services.

The network, which utilises wireless technology, uses a core network comprising 155 Megabit microwave links, with broadband links connecting off the core to the end-user locations.

And in recognition of the innovative nature of this initiative, this broadband project named 'Anglesey Connected, has won the prestigious Broadband Britain Challenge Champion for Wales award, in the Public Sector category for outstanding innovation in using Broadband.

Accepting the award at the Wales Final in Cardiff, Anglesey Connected Project Manager Barry Eaton stated "the independent judges have recognised that Anglesey Connected's ubiquitous infrastructure demonstrates that high capacity broadband can be effectively delivered into the heart of rural areas"

Council Leader Bob Parry welcomed the success saying that "the County Council is committed to doing everything in its power to develop the availability and use of high speed internet access on the island. Broadband services form a key element in developing the islands economy and in reversing the trend of outward migration of the islands youth and talent."

The Anglesey Connected Project will now represent Wales in the British Final to be held in London this September.

The Anglesey Connected Project offers new opportunities for enhancing learning through the use of the internet to all of the Councils schools, libraries and learning centres.

Improved communications will assist the development of the County Councils financial and administrative systems.

The background to the decision to use wireless technology as a means of providing connectivity is that the system would be wholly owned by the council (therefore primarily a capital project) with absolutely minimum revenue cost. Data capacities are vastly in excess of those normally affordable, and that would not be achievable otherwise with such a project -- therefore the system is sustainable for the foreseeable future.

Anglesey is being viewed as a flagship project for the cost-effective and sustainable delivery of very high capacity broadband to rural areas -- providing best value and stimulating the removal of the digital-divide by encouraging inward investment, knowledge based business and retaining/growing employment. Social inclusion for all of the citizens is the primary goal for this project.

Anglesey will be looking for opportunities to work in partnership with other organisations to get the best from this investment for the people of Anglesey. The project means Anglesey can take the lead in ICT in Wales, which has traditionally been very poorly served by telecomms providers, by using latest generation communications technology to maximise services and minimise costs, in a truly long-term sustainable and holistic implementation.

Further information about the Anglesey Connected Project is available at http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/english/anglesey_connected/index.htm

For information on Groupe Pathfinder Ltd, visit
http://www.groupe-pathfinder.com

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