Devon County Council has commissioned a new survey to map broadband speed on offer across the region.

The study will be carried out by Devon Renaissance and thousands of people from across the county are being urged to log onto a special site which can tell them about the true uploading and downloading speeds on offer through their broadband service, reports the Mid Devon Star.

It is estimated that one in 25 businesses located in rural Devon is unable to access broadband services, which could equate to 1,500 firms.

Businesses are also being urged to give their opinions about their broadband service and the effect it has on their operations.

Liz Abell, general manager of Devon Renaissance, told the newspaper a reliable broadband connection "is essential for Devon's residents and businesses".

She added: "The survey aims to map broadband speed and reliability across the county so we're asking the whole community to get involved - visit the website, test your broadband speed and find out whether you live in a broadband 'hot spot' or a 'not spot'."

The BBC recently launched a new study with ISPreview to gauge public opinion on broadband speeds ahead of a new consumer series for BBC1 television.