Bradford University is to share in a £2.5 million new computer network which will be one of the most advanced in the world.

It is joining forces with universities in Huddersfield, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield and York to create the Yorkshire and Humberside Metropolitan Area Network.

The network, linking the campus networks of eight universities, will be one of the fastest in the world, supporting collaboration in learning, teaching and research.

The universities will be able to share access to the latest equipment, use hi-tech methods to teach students and exchange knowledge more easily.

Each university will be able to expand its own open and distance learning facilities with high-quality video-conferencing.

The network will also provide a backbone for regional partnerships with local government, commerce and industry, schools and the wider community.

Dr Jon Duke, who is leading the project, said: "YHMAN will be up to ten times faster than our current network.

"It will provide a firm foundation for growth and outreach at every university. Over time, it will be used for a wider range of collaboration which is expected to encompass the universities, their research partners, other education providers and individual students."

Dr Richard Heseltine, one of the leading members in the Yorkshire and Humberside Universities' Association, said: "Educational and economic success are clearly connected.

"The Yorkshire and Humberside region has a tremendous opportunity to take initiative in the creation of a learning society, using information and communications' technologies to make a real difference.

"We can do things better with IT and this network will prove how that can be achieved."

The network is being supplied by a consortium of leading cable companies - General Telecom, Cable and Wireless Communications and Cabletel Kirklees.

It is being built using funds from each university plus an award from the Higher Education Funding Council and it will be phased in from this Easter.

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