Just two days remain for residents in the Western Bay of Plenty to have their say on what is needed when it comes to boosting broadband in their area.

Since May 14, almost 700 people have filled in a survey aimed at helping Western Bay District Council secure a slice of a potential $360 million in government funding.

People are being encouraged to have their say on broadband speeds in the Western Bay. Photo: File.

The funding, which targets improved internet connectivity around the country, will be spilt across three areas, with $100m available to extend rural broadband, between $152m and $210m to extend ultrafast broadband, and $50m to address black spots in the network.

Mayor Ross Paterson says the survey, open for business and households until June 5, is the first step in helping council prove the need for faster internet, primarily in rural communities across the district.

'We have been overwhelmed with the number of surveys completed so far,” admits Ross.

'It's great to see our residents and ratepayers are backing us in this endeavour, but it shows there is a clear need for better broadband in parts of the district.

'There are businesses suffering and families unable to perform simple tasks over the internet, because their service is slow or unreliable.”

Responses to date have also helped council identify mobile black spots in the district, where cell phone coverage is poor or non-existent.

Ross encourages anyone who hasn't filled in the short survey to do so before it closes on Friday. People in urban areas are also encouraged to take part.

'It's not too late,” says Ross.

'Every entry will help us compile a stronger argument to government later this year.”

To complete the survey, and learn more about the project, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/boost-our-broadband.