A MAJOR campaign has been launched to get rural North Wales connected after it was revealed that one in six homes has no access to superfast broadband.

The aim of the Rural Digital Connectivity project is to help householders, businesses and organisations across the region overcome the problems of being located in so-called not spots.

The scheme to combat the digital deficit is being masterminded by Ambition North Wales and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

It’s being rolled out on their behalf by two rural enterprise agencies, Anglesey-based Menter Môn in the west and Denbighshire-based Cadwyn Clwyd in the east.

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They’re organising a series of Connectivity Clinics where experts are available to offer free advice and guidance on getting reliable and fast internet access.

Among the advisors running the clinics is Geraint Strello, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the IT industry.

He said: “While many properties in North Wales do have access to superfast broadband, it’s important that we don’t forget those that don’t and our aim is to make them aware of the opportunities available to bring a high speed service to them.

“The benefits could be huge, not just for the access to information and for work but there are services which can monitor people’s well-being and enable them to live more independently.

“For example, there are monitoring systems that can learn the normal routine of those living in the property and if something changes dramatically, for example if the toilet is flushed numerous times in the middle of the night, or the front or back door left open, an alarm will be triggered.

“There are sensors that monitor carbon dioxide levels and if it hasn’t changed for a couple of days it would mean no-one has visited so keeping an eye on this reduces the risk of social isolation for vulnerable people.

“There are lots of applications out there which can change people’s lives for the better in relatively unobtrusive ways.

“Advisors from Menter Môn and Cadwyn Clwyd and Denbighshire County Council will be at events across North Wales to give advice, answer their questions and explain what will work best for them.

“When you think about how far we’ve come and the geography of the region then it’s a positive story, but there is more work to do and if you live in a remote location then it could cost you more but there may be help available.”

In North Wales, Anglesey is the county worst served by broadband providers, with more than one in three properties without full-fibre to the premises.

Connectivity Clinics will be held at the Anglesey Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 13 and 14, and at the Denbigh and Flint Show on Thursday, August 15, to offer advice and information on the options available to upgrade your broadband service.

There are upcoming sessions in North East Wales at Denbigh Library on Monday, August 12, 10am-1pm, and the following day at Hwb Dinbych, 1pm-3pm, with further drop-ins at Corwen Library, Tuesday, August 20, 10am-1pm, and at the same times at Llangollen Library, Thursday, August 29; at Mold Library on Wednesday, September 4, 12-2pm; and Wrexham Library, Thursday, September 5, 12-2pm. Other sessions will be held in Cerrigydrudion on September  7, Llanrwst Library on September 18 and Dolwyddelan Sheepdog Trials on September 21.

Details of further events will be posted on the website. The project runs until October 31 in Wrexham and until December 31 in the five other North Wales counties.