Intl Business, the broadband business-to-business communications firm, has launched the first phase of its bid to get small businesses on the information superhighway.

ntl, which has a major centre in Newport, is set to launch its high-speed broadband Internet initially through broadband modems, giving its business customers Internet connections 20 times faster than a conventional dial-up.

Research conducted by ntl shows that small firms are frustrated by the slowness of Internet access and unreliable dial-up connections.

Long waits for big-file downloads can boost call charges and lengthen working days. ntl says its new service will revolutionise the way in which small firms do business, providing high-speed "always-on" broadband Internet access.

ntl says the service will enable many small businesses to exploit the power of the Internet for the first time through ultra-fast web surfing and file downloads.

The broadband modems for ntl's service will be supplied by Cisco Systems, and the package includes a four-port modem that can support additional hubs.

ntl business managing director Stephen Rowles said: "The technology industry has been hyping the benefits of broadband, but so far few companies have been able to deliver. "Our launch is the first phase in our drive to make broadband accessible and affordable to small companies across the UK."

ntl Internet managing director Jerry Roest says his firm's aim is to have 100,000 UK broadband customers by the end of the year across business and private use. He said there are three main benefits to broadband - it is fast, it is always connected, so no need to dial up, and it does not tie up a telephone line.

Mr Roest said: "The widespread availability of broadband access is essential to the next phase of development of the Internet.

"ntl is at the forefront of the UK's Internet industry and we're making it our responsibility to educate users about the benefirts of broadband acess via cableww modem. "We expect demand in the UK to be high, and will therefore manage delivery of the service by introducing waiting- lists in some of our cabled areas where necessary."