NEXT year could be a landmark year for Dorset's digital future.

That's the view of BT, who are pledging vital investment in the county's superfast fibre broadband in 2016.

John Reynolds, BT’s regional director for the south west, said: "We’ve already seen great progress. During 2015, the fibre broadband rollout reached on average more than 1,200 additional households and businesses each week thanks to the Superfast Dorset partnership between Dorset County Council and BT, which includes borough councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

"Superfast Dorset has set a target of reaching 90,000 households and businesses by the end of 2017 and BT stands ready to play its part."

He claims BT is now close to the point where fibre broadband will be available for nine out of ten Dorset premises, with more than 70,000 households and businesses taking up the offer in the county.

And it's having a positive impact, with regulator Ofcom, saying download speeds in Dorset have tripled since 2011.

Over the next year, more rural areas will be targeted, says Mr Reynolds.

"Our ambition is to ‘never say no’ to any community and we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with them to find a suitable and affordable fibre broadband solution.

"We’ve set out our vision for the UK’s digital future and the significant contribution we can make, subject to regulatory support and the right policy framework. This pledge is focussed around four key areas – speed, reach, future development of ultrafast broadband and customer service."

He added: "BT has the commitment and ability to make a major contribution to the future success of Dorset.

"Indeed, an independent report estimated that BT last year generated £81 million for the Dorset economy and supported nearly 1,000 jobs.

"The tremendous pace of change and the wonderful opportunities emerging from these new technologies mean we’re looking forward to 2016 with a great sense of excitement."