New higher speed broadband on the way to Wareham, Sherborne and Lyme Regis (From Dorset Echo)

New higher speed broadband on the way to Wareham, Sherborne and Lyme Regis

4:00pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

WAREHAM, Sherborne and Lyme Regis are among the five latest Dorset communities set to benefit from a high-speed fibre broadband network.

Christchurch and North-bourne are also due to be upgraded during 2013.

BT has pledged to roll-out its £2.5 billion high-speed fibre broadband network to 31,700 more homes and businesses.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin and Superfast Dorset, the super-fast broadband programme for Dorset, said the roll out would provide a boost for businesses, internet users and the local economy, with the potential to create new enterprises and local jobs.

The latest investment will take the total number of homes and businesses in Dorset able to connect to the fibre network to more than 200,000.

More than 80,000 already have access in upgraded areas including Portland, Blandford, Lytchett Minster and Wimborne and BT is keen to bring more communities within reach by working with the public sector.

Mr Letwin said: “We are all looking forward eagerly to the time when high-speed broadband reaches the really rural parts of West Dorset three or four years from now. But, in the meanwhile, it is very good news that the high speed service will be available next year in Sherborne and Lyme Regis.”