AN information revolution currently underway could have a bigger impact on our lives than the industrial revolution, Test Valley Bor-ough Council chief Alan Jones told a high-powered gathering of local government chiefs from across the region at an e-government event.

Hosted by the Borough Council, the e-Geovernment Springboard event at And-over's Guildhall was organised jointly by BT and the Society for Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE).

It provided an opportunity for the delegates to hear how technology is being used to improve and modernise local government services, with examples from some projects that are already under way around the country.

On a local note, Rodney Sabine from Broadband Wessex, talked about the Hampshire-wide Wired Wessex' initiative, which includes proposals to link broadband connections for business communities across Hampshire.

Test Valley Borough Council chief executive, Alan Jones, chaired the event as host.

Mr Jones said: "Just a few years ago nobody would have been able to predict the extraordinary growth of new information technologies such as the internet or mobile phones.

"I believe we are now experiencing an information revolution that could change our lives to a greater degree than the industrial revolution of the 18th century.

"The challenge for local authorities is to embrace the opportunities offered by these changes and use them to improve the quality of life for everyone".