Ultrafast Broadband Boost for Dorset

Residents in underserved areas in Dorset are set to benefit from Gigaclear, the UK’s largest rural full fibre broadband provider, which is investing £13 million to bring its ultrafast, full-fibre broadband network to the county.

Gigaclear’s network will bring internet speeds of up to 900Mbps to over 18,000 premises across the region. This includes homes and businesses in Stalbridge, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Colehill, Sturminster Marshall and Lytchett Matravers.

Jo Scarrott, South West General Manager at Gigaclear, comments: “Fast broadband speeds are a necessity for a modern economy. The way in which we live and work depends on the internet, something that has been sharply underlined by the pandemic. We believe in digital inclusion for all and we’re excited to bring our network to more people so they can enjoy the life-changing benefits that come with world-leading connectivity.”

“Dorset is a completely new area for us but given our build activity in neighbouring Somerset and Wiltshire, this move simply made sense. Work is already underway, and we can’t wait to connect those suffering from inadequate broadband provision to our ultrafast network. It really will transform the lives of so many in the region.”

Cllr Jill Haynes, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation at Dorset Council, said: “I welcome the commercial investment made by Gigaclear to improve the broadband speeds for residents and businesses in Dorset. The pandemic has really highlighted the importance of having access to ultrafast broadband to support education, businesses, working from home, as well as entertainment and we’re delighted that thousands of premises in the county will benefit.”

The expansion of Gigaclear’s network build to these communities is expected to be completed across 2022.