Superfast Dorset brings fibre broadband to first villages

The Superfast Dorset rollout programme has connected its first villages in the area to fibre optic broadband.

Wootton Fitzpaine and Charmouth have become the first Dorset communities to benefit from a better broadband connection under the £30 million project, which is being supported by the government, BT and West Dorset District Council.

Commenting on the arrival of the high-speed technology in these initial areas, Leader of the Council Robert Gould said: "Superfast broadband is vital for West Dorset's future economy and for our residents. It will make it easier for people to work from home, do business online and also download films and television."

Thanks to this initial stage of the regional rollout, more than 400 homes and businesses can now access fibre broadband from a network provider, but it is hoped up to 80,000 residential and commercial properties will be connected to the technology overall.

To celebrate superfast broadband's arrival in the area, a reception will take place by one of Charmouth's green roadside cabinets, with Councillor Gould in attendance to celebrate the occasion.