MPs and councillors are lobbying BT to install super-fast broadband connections for Dorset during work for the 2012 Olympics.

They hope new exchanges can be created when fibre optic cables are laid to connect the sailing venues and London.

Two new cables will be laid – one in the west of the county and one between Poole and Portland.

MP for South Dorset Jim Knight said the priority for new exchanges would be the main population centres but then rural parts of the county may be able to “feed off” the connections.

“It would be such a tragic wasted opportunity if we couldn’t pull it off,” said Mr Knight.

“It’s not just the copper wires that carry standard broadband but fibre optic cables. For me, it’s a no-brainer.”

Jim Knight said Dorset County Council had been in talks with BT.

“My understanding is that it would be half-a-million pounds for each exchange and the number would depend on the route,” said Mr Knight.

Mr Knight said the money would need to be generated locally but if enough businesses said they would use the connections, BT may invest anyway with part of the bill underwritten.

A BT spokesman said it was too early to speculate on potential exchanges or even whether the fibre optic cables would be left in place after 2012.

Most of Bournemouth’s businesses will have superfast broadband connections by 2012 thanks to the Fibrecity’ investment by a private sector company.

Dorset County Council is starting a survey of businesses which it hopes will show BT there is enough demand in the public and private sector to justify investment elsewhere.

Broadband is used 50 per cent by residents, 30 per cent by the public sector and 20 per cent by businesses, said a council spokesman.

Connection is generally worse in the Stour Vale and north west of the county, and Weymouth and Portland’s broadband is worse than Bournemouth and Poole’s.