As communications sponsor for the Games, BT will be installing a high-capacity broadband link to the sailing event venue, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. This fibre optic connection will support data, voice, media and mobile communication during the Games and presents a unique opportunity to fast-track high quality broadband provision to local homes and businesses.

Broadband survey

To help this happen, Team Dorset has conducted a survey of local businesses to show that there is demand for high-speed internet across Dorset. Businesses were asked for feedback on their current broadband speeds as well as their current and future needs.
Two parallel surveys have been conducted, with almost 900 replies. The full  Team Dorset broadband survey [265kb] (opens in a new window) is attached but some of the key findings are:

• 99% of businesses would like to upgrade to faster broadband in the next 24 months
• 88% of businesses said that broadband is either essential or critical to their business
• 84% of businesses want to use broadband communications technology to reduce their carbon footprint

Further work

On top of developing the business case for faster broadband speeds, we are involved in a number of initiatives to improve broadband provision in Dorset including:

• A broadband focus group is being set up by Business Link Wessex 

• Team Dorset is supporting increased delivery of Business Link seminars in subjects that are technology related 

• Dorset County Council provides training and advice in e-procurement. 

• SW Regional Development Agency broadband demand stimulation programme to be developed (expected Autumn 2010) 

• Webex, web conferencing pilot underway. 

• Business Link trialling customer review meeting through Webex. 

• Most popular Business Link training seminars are on guerrilla marketing and internet marketing, 

• Supporting business development being undertaken through Creative Dorset 

• Dorset County Council lead joint private/ public sector Broadband Steering Group established in Nov 09. 

• Dorset Chamber has established a Broadband Taskforce. 

• The DT11 partnership and the North Dorset community partnerships are very active in promoting broadband issues and are seeking to deliver a community broadband solution to North Dorset 

• There is an established Community Learning Centre network across rural Dorset which has encouraged ICT and internet usage 

• Dorset Broadcasting Action Group - DorBAG - are an action group for better local TV and radio coverage for Dorset and they see digital inclusion and broadband as part of the solution for this. 

• The Country Landowners & Business Association (CLA) is very active in Dorset and is promoting the final 1/3rd first campaign for rural broadband.