High-speed wireless internet connections will soon be available across the Maldon district.

The new, ultra-fast broadband project was launched in Promenade Park, Maldon, on Monday in an effort to boost the local economy.

The connections should be available for businesses and residents who want them from June 1 – but they will have to pay for the service.

Last year, a report said a lack of broadband in rural areas was a major hindrance to economic development. So Essex County Council, in partnership with the Maldon Local Strategic Partnership and Maldon District Council, set out to solve the problem by organising wireless access.

Professor Lew Schnurr, a Heybridge parish councillor and Maldon Local Strategic Partnership broadband lead member, has had a long and distinguished career in telecommunications, particularly the application of radio-link communication.

Through his efforts, Prof Schnurr, Gary Disley, of Fibre WiFi, and others worked up a methodology for addressing the broadband “hotspots” in the Maldon district.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale said: “I think it is a tremendous thing for the Maldon district.

“Faster broadband is going to become more and more important. A number of businesses will look for that when choosing where to locate.

“It means we are more attractive to businesses and it is of benefit to residents.”

The service is being delivered through radio transmissions, so no telephone lines are required.

Residents with WiFi-enabled handheld devices and laptops will be able to access the service and pre-orders are now being accepted.

For more details, including the cost, go to buzcom.net or fibrewifi.com