BROADBAND internet connection could be in the pipeline for a rural area of West Devon ? despite the fact that telecommunications giant BT has decided not to connect it. Villagers in the Chillaton, Coryton, Marystowe and Lewdown areas met at Marystowe Church Hall last week to discuss options available for broadband connection. BT has decided it would not be commercially viable to connect the area ? but businesses and residents still hope to gain the high-speed internet access. George Whitffield, who called the meeting, said: ?I think there?s a very considerable need for broadband in this area, particularly among small home-based businesses. ?At the meeting we tried to present as many of the facts as we could regarding the options and we asked people if they would like to pursue the wireless broadband option. We?ve tried to move it forward by asking people to sign up for a site survey.? Mr Whitfield said wireless broadband connection used a satellite system ? but the company which would carry out a survey would need to see there was a definite demand before carrying out the work. ?I think there was as much interest as I had hoped there would be ? I think people are genuinely anxious to move to the next step. We are now waiting to see if we get enough people signed up for the survey. It?s a difficult area to cover ? that?s why we need a proper site survey done.? Gillian Woodland is marketing manager for Broadband4Devon, which helps firms make best possible use of broadband technologies through subsidies, and works with communities to extend broadband provision. She said the meeting had been ?very interesting?. ?We also talked about the subsidies that can be offered to businesses when they are on broadband, including help with installation costs,? she said. ?We hope the survey will show the area won?t be a dead-end as far as broadband is concerned ? it looks like it?s a way forward for most of the area, which is quite exciting.? County councillor for the area Christine Marsh also attended the meeting, which she described as ?very positive?. She said: ?It was very informative, I was very impressed. I think people realise how much faster and easier it is to operate with broadband ? I use it myself and find it so much better and for businesses it?s essential.? Cllr Marsh said she hoped the survey would reveal good reception results, so all residents and businesses in the area would be able to benefit from broadband. Anyone who wants to know more about receiving wireless broadband in the area or who would like to sign up for the survey should call George Whitfield on 01822 860189 or e-mail gnwhitfield@ btopenworld.com