WEST Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett has urged the South West Regional Development Agency to increase pressure on British Telecom to give the county?s rural areas Broadband upgrade.
Mr Burnett met the RDA last Friday to discuss ways forward with the campaign to secure BT?s Broadband connection, which enables on-line information to travel up to 40 times faster than normal.
Speaking after the meeting, he said organisations across West Devon must work together if a successful bid for upgrade was to be made.
He said: ?We can?t afford to hang about on this issue any longer. I?m trying to co-ordinate all the agencies involved, because they are all pushing their own causes. We need to launch a joint campaign to boost our chances of success so that we can get Broadband upgrade to at least 20 towns in West Devon as soon as possible.
?It?s very important because it affects the health service, education, elderly people and business in equal measure. You can?t underestimate the social and economic benefits of Broadband upgrade.
?Cities like Plymouth and Exeter are connected and it?s important that the rural community of West Devon doesn?t get left behind in the bid for Broadband connection.?
Business entrepreneur Johnny Dawson, from Grenofen, also attended the meeting and fully supports Mr Burnett?s campaign. He worked in the telecommunications industry for 18 years, and believes Broadband upgrade is vital for local communities.
?I don?t think people realise just what a difference this upgrade would make. I believe a good communications network is as important locally as any rail or road network. It?s because we?re lacking that technology that I have to spend two or three days a week in London on business.?