THE long wait for broadband connection is now over for some communities in rural Carmarthenshire.

There is also a light at the end of the tunnel for many more.

Families in Llanfihangel Aberbythych, Cilycwm and Capel Isaac are now for the first time able to send emails, download and watch online videos

This has all been made possible by a community initiative which started in the summer of 2010.

The Carmarthenshire Community Broadband Partnership (CCBP) was formed to bring wireless broadband to rural communities throughout Carmarthenshire and has received registrations from over 500 families and businesses ranging from Capel Iwan to Rhydcymerau and from Llidiad Nenog to Llanelli. Its use of a local firm, ResQ of Cross Hands, as its main supplier has also created new jobs for local people.

One of the families to benefit from the scheme is the Massey family from Golden Grove, who run a traditional upholstery and furniture restoration business.

Lawrence Massey said: "Running a small family business it's imperative for us to have a fast and reliable broadband connection and thanks to CCBP and ResQ we now have one. We can now update our website, find materials at the best price and interact with other businesses and customers without waiting hours for pages to load.

"We can also keep in touch with friends in different parts of the world using Skype and Facebook. It's great to join the 21st century at last."

Ian Muxworthy from ResQ IT and Telecoms said: "This project is an exciting opportunity to even out the playing field for homes and businesses across Carmarthenshire and we are delighted to be part of its delivery.

"ResQ has been committed to the development of rural broadband services for many years and it is rewarding to finally be able to provide people with the services they need."

The roll-out for Phase 1 communities is now under way.

Over the next month it is hoped that it will be rolled out in the Phase 2 communities.

The phase 2 application has closed, but people can still take advantage of the new service by paying for the installation work themselves and reclaim the moneys from the Broadband Support Scheme.

CCBP Committee Chair Doug Taylor from Maesybont said: "CCBP is a real community scheme, with 5 per cent of all subscriptions going back to communities to be spent as the subscribers decide. Our community representatives deserve a pat on the back for all their hard work on the committee.

"We've also been delighted with the help individual subscribers have given us by agreeing to have transmitters sited on their land.

"We received massive help from Carmarthenshire Council and we're very pleased that we can finally deliver on the trust they put in us."

He also thanked the Welsh Assembly for their help.