RESIDENTS in underserved areas in Dorset are set to benefit from a £13 million investment from Gigaclear to bring its ultrafast, full-fibre broadband network to the county.

The UK’s largest rural full fibre broadband provider’s network will bring internet speeds of up to 900Mbps to over 18,000 premises across the region.

This includes homes and businesses in Stalbridge, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Colehill, Sturminster Marshall and Lytchett Matravers.

South west general manager at Gigaclear Jo Scarrott said: “Dorset is a completely new area for us but, given our build activity in neighbouring Somerset and Wiltshire, this move simply made sense.

“Work is already underway, and we can’t wait to connect those suffering from inadequate broadband provision to our ultrafast network. It really will transform the lives of so many in the region.”

The expansion of Gigaclear’s network build to these communities is expected to be completed across 2022.