Teachers, students and administrative staff at the 44 Spanish public universities signed up to the Campus Red scheme will have free access to the Internet from the start of this academic year.

The initiative, which will benefit around 1.3 million users, was unveiled today by the secretaries of state for Telecommunications and Information Technology and Universities, Francisco Ros and Miguel Ángel Quintanilla, respectively.

The total cost of the scheme, which is being jointly funded by the Industry, Tourism and Commerce and Education and Science ministries, is estimated at 7.8 million euros.

Mr Quintanilla described the scheme as "emblematic" and said it was "an important measure" in modernising the university system by providing it with essential materials such as information technology.

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