West Dorset MP pleads with government for better broadband
36% of people in West Dorset have internet speeds slower than 30Mb/s
West Dorset MP Chris Loder is urging the government to provide £2.54m for better connectivity in the county.
He spoke in the commons on Wednesday 10th March calling on DCMS Minister Nigel Huddleston MP to take more action over the issue of broadband isolation.
36% of people in West Dorset have internet speeds slower than 30Mb/s. At that rate it takes around 6 minutes to download a HD movie, but many will have speeds slower than that.
Chris Loder has been working closely with Dorset Council to deliver broadband improvements, specifically focused on the construction of a full-fibre spine.
The program requires just £2.54 million in Government support to go ahead and provide improved connectivity for the people of Dorset – a scheme he has also put forward to Dorset LEP as a priority.
The West Dorset MP told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
“Rural Dorset has long been disadvantaged due to poor broadband connectivity. The coronavirus pandemic has emphasised the need, and people have worked and learnt from home.
"Fast and stable broadband is essential for our economy improvements if we are to successfully build back better after this pandemic. I have been working hard to ensure that Dorset is at the front of the queue for connectivity funding and I will continue to do so.”