VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Broadband: West Dorset

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 7892

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to improve broadband connectivity in West Dorset.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations reporting, as of January 2026, 67% of premises in the West Dorset constituency already have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection.

To increase this further, Wessex Internet is currently delivering a Project Gigabit contract across Dorset and South Somerset. This contract includes approximately 8,140 premises in the West Dorset constituency, of which around 2,480 have already been given coverage. This contract is due to deliver until 2029. To date, there have been no delays to the delivery of this contract and Wessex Internet have met their current delivery milestones.

An additional approximately 740 premises in West Dorset have also already received coverage via the Project Gigabit contract for North Dorset. This contract has now completed delivery.

A further 3,000 premises in West Dorset are included in Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme projects, of which approximately 2,600 have already been given gigabit-capable coverage.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim