Wireless networks using radio waves to link computers are rapidly spreading to regional areas without easy access to the latest broadband services.
![](../images/photos2001/nn20011030b3a.jpg)
Wireless networks are attractive because of their cheap hardware and maintenance costs. They are expected to help break down the "digital divide" -- the gap between those with access to information technology and those without.
"We thought it's the means we have wanted for a long time for a village like us without a sufficient budget," said Toshimitsu Ono, an official of the general affairs section at the village office of Agawa, Kochi Prefecture.