Project Gigabit public review

An OMR consultation ran from 17 March 2021 to 14 April 2021.

Dorset Council and Building Digital UK (BDUK) are launching a public review in Dorset (excluding Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch).

Having asked broadband networks operators for their current and planned broadband infrastructure coverage at the OMR stage, BDUK and Dorset are offering a further opportunity to comment and validate the information collected during the public review across Dorset.

This consultation (known as a public review) opens at midday on 24 June 2021 and closes at 5pm on 1 August 2021.

This is part of the wider UK Gigabit Programme announced by the government with the ambition of delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. Our target is a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025, with an ambition to get as close to 100% as possible.

Dorset will be among the first areas in the country to benefit from the £5 billion Project Gigabit scheme, as announced by DCMS on 19 March 2021, bringing gigabit speeds to hard to reach areas.

Responding to the public review

We are consulting broadband infrastructure suppliers about their plans so that we can draw up the intervention area, showing all eligible premises that can’t get gigabit speeds, in preparation for a government-led procurement that is likely to take place from summer 2021. Delivery could start in spring/summer 2022.

Commercial network operators

Read the Request for Information document for details on how to respond.

You should also view the Supporting Evidence Template.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders that are not broadband suppliers

You can respond by completing our Digital Dorset survey which gives the opportunity to comment on any concerns relating to broadband provision.

Check broadband coverage for your postcode and let us know if the classification it has been given truly reflects coverage in your area or view the list of postcode classifications in Excel.