ALL households in West Devon are being urged to take part in the BT 'Race to Infinity' competition for better broadband speeds.

The Race to Infinity is a nationwide competition run by BT Retail whereby members of the public and local businesses can register their interest in super-fast broadband with the chance of getting their exchange enabled with fibre optic broadband as the prize.

Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, is calling for everyone in his constituency who wants better broadband to vote and warns the competition is only open until the end of December.

The five exchanges with the most votes nationally — as a percentage of lines per exchange, subject to a threshold of 1,000 votes — will be subsequently enabled by early 2012. BT will also give a donation of computer equipment, worth £5,000 to a local community project.

Mr Cox said: 'This is a national competition, and in order to be in with a chance, a telephone exchange area must gather the most votes as a percentage of the lines available.

'For example, there are, I believe, 6,051 households with the Tavistock area 01822 telephone code, and if they want to be in with a chance of getting fibre optic broadband, they have to vote.

'I have already voted and hope that at least one telephone exchange area within my constituency wins this competition. I have also talked to so many constituents and local businesses that are affected by poor internet speeds, and feel that this is an opportunity we in the rural areas particularly should take advantage of. Super-fast broadband will be essential for attracting new businesses to our area and only those towns with the highest votes will be guaranteed the upgrade.'

Lamerton resident John Sheldon is also encouraging fellow West Devon residents to vote. He said: 'The Government directed BT via Ofcom to share super-fast broadband routes with others. There is Orange and Tiscali at Tavistock Telephone Exchange.

The vote is simple, takes less than five seconds and requires your postcode. Your vote will be a boost to business, education and personal use, bringing better broadband to 01822 areas.'

To vote, and for further information, visit http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com">www.racetoinfinity.bt.com or visit http://www.tavistock-devon.org.uk">www.tavistock-devon.org.uk for more information relating to 01822 areas.