Dorset council expects fibre broadband to boost economic confidence

Dorset County Council (DCC) believes the launch of fibre optic broadband in more local communities will help to boost confidence of an economic recovery.

BT is planning to roll out super-fast connectivity to another 18,000 homes and businesses across the county, with Gillingham and Swanage named as the latest locations set to receive access to the technology.

The deployment is part of the next phase of BT's national deployment, during which a further 1.2 million premises will be added to the company's fibre broadband footprint.

DCC said the work, which will be completed by the end of spring 2014, should encourage homes and businesses in the area to feel more positive about the future of the economy.

Peter Speroni, superfast broadband programme manager for the local authority, said the announcement is "very welcome news" in what looks set to be another challenging year.

"Local firms and households will be greatly encouraged by this further investment, which demonstrates that we are making progress even in these tough economic times," he added.