A pioneering project to improve web access across rural areas has been backed by the Government's Internet minister. Yorkshire's NYnet project was singled out as an example of what can be done at a regional and local level by Paul Murphy. The project is the only UK public sector-led, private organisation to be chosen from a consortium of nine European countries to act as technology consultant to a new €3.5m project to develop Internet access and IT systems across Europe. NYnet is backed by Yorkshire Forward and North Yorkshire CC, with funding from the European Union. It is working to boost access in North Yorkshire, and by offering broadband at highly-competitive rates, its offering has become integral to the sub-region's development plans. Mr Murphy said: ‘This is a great example of what can be done to address digital inclusion and improve access for communities, businesses and citizens in order to improve their lives and life chances. ‘It is an excellent example of a local community-based solution for rural broadband provision.'