West Dorset arranges fund for superfast broadband

West Dorset District Council (WDCC) will set aside GBP 1.3 million for broadband

up-gradation of the county.

The UK government had agreed to allocate GBP 9.44 million for the task last week.

It is for the county council to arrange for an equal amount from its own budget, the local authorities, the private sector and the European agencies.

At least 12,278 rural properties will be benefited thanks to the government proposal for super fast broadband for the district.

The government fund is mainly intended to encourage the private players to take up the fiber installation works in rural areas which they originally did not want to. It shows the interest of the government for the rural communities.

Ofcom revealed that only 9% of the Dorset properties enjoy super fast broadband. About 18% of the county population gets a speed of only 2Mbps.

Dorset county council wants to submit its plan to Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) much before the scheduled date of 28th of February 2012.

Robert Gould, leader of WDDC stated that this is an excellent opportunity for investment in the welfare of the county. The local authorities and the public must unite for the success of the project.

The rural part of the county consists of small and medium enterprises. Their growth is blocked due to low connectivity. That should not be allowed any more. Fast internet connection will also improve job opportunities for the youth.