Internet users in Somerset have been called on by council chiefs to help demonstrate the county's high level of demand for super-fast broadband access.

Businesses, community groups and residents are being urged to complete an online survey to illustrate how much they feel the area should receive some of the £530 million of Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) cash to improve speeds and coverage, reports the Somerset County Gazette.

Demonstrating the need for improved connectivity plays a crucial role in the application process for the public money, the administration explained.

Ken Maddock, leader of Somerset County Council, insisted it is "incredibly important" that local communities rally round and support the campaign to bring faster broadband to the area, adding it is vital to guarantee future development in the local economy.

"We know from talking to businesses that a slow or lack of internet is a real constraint on their growth and is a key barrier for companies deciding to invest in Somerset," he commented.

"Super-fast broadband will ensure all businesses, urban or rural, remain competitive and it will open up new markets for them."

Somerset and Devon councils have teamed up to bid for BDUK funding in the hope that a joint application will improve their chances.

The local authorities have outlined plans to bring speeds of at least 20Mbps to 85 per cent of homes and businesses in the area, with minimum capabilities of 2Mbps for all by 2015.

According to the councils, Devon and Somerset have a greater need for improved broadband than many other parts of the country because 300,000 premises - representing around half of all properties in the counties - are struggling with poor connectivity.

More than a fifth of employers in Devon feel their slow broadband is holding them back, while three-quarters believe faster speeds would represent a major boost to their operations. 

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