Devon News
People urged to sign superfast broadband petition
2:00pm Saturday 4th February 2012
BUSINESSES and residents in Mid Devon are being urged to sign a petition demanding the installation of superfast broadband.
In a joint campaign, Devon and Somerset County Councils have teamed up in a bid to get at least 10,000 people to back the cause.
The drive, which begins on Monday, hopes to achieve 100% broadband coverage of 2Mbps with a minimum of 85% superfast broadband at 24Mbps by 2015 and superfast broadband for all by 2020.
Devon County Council strategic planning chief Will Mumford said: “It’s not only about business. Access to distance learning courses, local services, medical support and the kids doing their homework or using social media to keep in touch with friends and relatives all require significantly faster broadband than we have.
“Though we need the information now, there will be a reasonably long process to secure our private sector partners, resulting in a gap between the survey and the beginning of roll-out.
“Without everyone’s participation we can’t make our case.
“Devon must have access to superfast broadband – we can’t be on the second or even third tier of connectivity.
“Superfast broadband is a modern utility, not a luxury, so help us make sure we get it.”
Information about the campaign will be sent out by direct mail to residents and businesses, and council officials will also phone some people to build up support.
The project has secured £31million of funding from the Government agency Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), and both Somerset and Devon County Councils will be putting in up to £10million each.
According to OFCOM, almost 18% of premises across both counties are receiving under 2 Mbps.
In Devon just 17% of the county can access superfast broadband.
To find out more, visit www. connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk