BROADBAND has finally arrived in Upton-upon-Severn.

BT introduced the service last week, bringing high speed internet connection to the town and surrounding area.

To upgrade the local telephone exchange has cost about £200,000 and BT needed 200 people to register an interest before this could be done.

That target was reached about three months ago.

BT spokesman Francis King said the service would appeal to online gamers and businesses.

"For small rural areas it can be a real boost," he said.

The service will be available to those within six kilometres of Upton's New Street exchange.

Those outside the area could be served in future by wireless broadband, an area BT is currently investigating.

Broadband allows internet access at speeds up to 40 times faster than standard dial-up modem access.

There are many internet service providers offering broadband packages, with prices ranging from £20 to £30.

For more information, visit the BT website at www.bt.com