Residents are asked to let providers know they want broadband

Politicians in Daventry are calling on the telephone companies to connect more villages to the broadband network.

Broadband provides faster connections to the internet and a range of other services, but phone companies say they will only upgrade local exchanges in areas where enough people express an interest.

Chris Millar, the Leader of Daventry District Council, said: "Up to 95% of urban areas have access to broadband, whereas only 7% of rural ones do.

"I think that really is a great shame and we must try and change that.

"Daventry District Council is lobbying very hard to try and change the situation, but we do need people on the ground to actually put forward their declarations of interest."

As of last autumn, two-thirds of the UK had been covered by ADSL, but the remaining third, mostly residents in small towns and rural areas, was excluded because of costs.

The Country Land and Business Association launched a Broadband Rural Britain campaign in February this year, and 100 members of parliament have signed a Commons early day motion promoting their efforts.