BT extends fibre broadband to Isle of Portland

BT has extended its fibre optic broadband service to reach the Isle of Portland, off the coast of Weymouth.

Nearly 6,000 homes and businesses across Portland can now sign up for the telecoms giant's super-fast broadband technology, boosting the total number of Dorset properties with access to the service to almost 26,000.

By the end of 2014, BT expects to have rolled out fibre optic broadband to two-thirds of commercial and residential premises across the UK.

Michael Dunn, regional manager for the south-west at BT, said the launch of fibre broadband in Portland in the year of the London Olympics is a "huge boost" for the area.

"Fast and reliable internet connections are an essential part of our national infrastructure, whether we want them for boosting our businesses, delivering essential public services, education online or entertainment at home," he added.

Elsewhere in the south-west, BT recently deployed fibre broadband to St Michael's Mount, a tidal island located 366m off the south coast of Cornwall.