WEST Devon Council is throwing its weight behind a campaign for the Borough to go broadband- and speed up the connection for internet users.
The council is calling on residents and businesses to register their interest in the system with BT to prove the demand for broadband is cost effective.
Broadband means the internet connection is always on and has the potential to download at speeds up to ten times faster than a normal telephone connection.
It also means users can make and receive telephone calls at the same time as being online using just one line. The telephone exchanges in Tavistock and Okehampton are suitable for upgrading.
Cllr Dennis Bater, who represents E-government on the council, said: ?Broadband could minimise and possibly overcome many of the traditional problems of social exclusion that people living in rural areas
experience.
?I am convinced broadband would help rural regeneration and competitiveness, and as the fastest growing county in the country we need this facility urgently.
?But if too few people register an interest then once again West Devon will be deprived of a service that should be their right.?
In order for an area to receive broadband, a demand must be demonstrated, those interested in the system can register that demand by logging on to a specific website.
BT has set a broadband registration trigger level for each area at http://www.btopenworld.com/broadband">www.btopenworld.com/broadband. When the trigger is reached, upgrading work can start.
Since the registration scheme was launched by BT in July, more than 71,000 people nationwide have signed up at the website. There is no obligation to order the service if or when it becomes available.