ONE of the largest public-private sector partnerships to be launched in Wiltshire has just gone online in a bid to bring broadband technology to a wider audience.

The eWiltshire and eSwindon campaigns are at the heart of a £7 million Smartplace initiative to create new opportunities for businesses and communities in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Jane Scott, chairwoman of the Smartplace Partnership, said: "It's vital for Wiltshire and Swindon to be at the forefront of using the technology that is available today.

"This dynamic three-year campaign will make sure Wiltshire and Swindon are served as comprehensively as possible."

Two new experience centres have opened in Salisbury and Swindon to demonstrate the power of the new technology. A third centre will be opened in Trowbridge in six weeks' time.

These centres are intended to give businesses and members of the public the chance to experience e-commerce and e-learning.

The partners claim to have a long term vision for the county in which communities will be fully connected to the internet.

Partners include: Wiltshire County Council, Swindon Council, South West Regional Development Agency, North Wiltshire District Council, Kennet DC, Salisbury DC, Trowbridge Town Council, Business Link for Berkshire and Wiltshire, Wiltshire Learning and Skills Council, Learndirect, BT and Bluewire Solutions.

For further information, either visit eSwindon at Cheltenham House, Regent Street, tap in www.eswindon.co.uk to the internet, or call 0845 600 3331.