Broadband infrastructure in Devon is to benefit from more investment, with businesses claiming the lack of access is hurting their profits.

A survey by Devon County Council found that poor access to broadband was constraining rural businesses and harming the local economy.

The survey of business broadband users found that 75 per cent of companies believe that faster broadband would help them increase turnover and profits.

It also emerged that nearly 500 businesses do not have access to any broadband service at all, while the same is true for over 15,000 households.

The council has said that it plans to increase investment in broadband services such as next generation access to ensure Devon keeps up with the rest of the country.

Councillor William Mumford said: "Creating sustainable communities and businesses in rural Devon is critical for the future economic wellbeing of the county.

"Ensuring that rural Devon does not get left behind in the move to next generation access is a key part of that strategy."

More investment in fibre-optic broadband is needed across the entire UK if the country is to keep up with others, according to Roger Webster, managing director of fibre-optic specialists Webro Cables and Connectors.

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