OKEHAMPTON should have access to faster broadband by spring 2012, BT has announced.

Okehampton has been included in the latest roll-out plans to bring next generation copper broadband service to 140,000 homes across the South West.

The investment will make available broadband speeds of up to 20 megabits per seconds, which is more than double the maximum speeds previously available to the majority of UK homes and businesses.

The 36 South West communities in the plans are among more than 300 UK exchanges to be included in the latest phase of the programme.

By spring 2012 almost two thirds of South West premises are expected to have been upgraded.

The new network will be available on an open, wholesale bases to all internet service providers.

Jon Reynolds, BT's South West regional director, said: 'This is another important step forward for the region. Faster broadband can help businesses become more competitive and greatly improve the online services available to families and houseworkers.

'BT is the only company consistently investing in a mixture of faster broadband technologies both in and outside the region's major urban areas.

'As the roll-out of faster broadband gathers pace in the South West, internet users will increasingly be able to choose the service that suits their needs best.'