14
September
2014
|
23:00
Europe/London

Cosmic comes to Bridport as thousands can access superfast broadband

There’s a chance to find out how faster, more reliable broadband could benefit you or your business when digital experts Cosmic come to Bridport on 24 September.

Whether you have a business or family desperate for faster speeds, find out how to get connected, see the latest technology or find out how to take your first steps online.

If you are a complete novice, find out what you need to get online or see how to make the most of your tablet. Friendly advisers will be on hand to show you how to keep in touch with friends and family, read your favourite newspaper or magazine as soon as it comes out and much more.

Drop in any time or book in to the sessions to ensure you get a seat:

9-11am Business Breakfast meeting, including ‘The Future of Digital Business’ + Gadget show. Cosmic will tell you about key market trends, demystify the jargon of the digital world and provide practical examples of the ways new technology is delivering better, smarter business.

11:30-13:30 Residents briefing – older people can get an introduction to tablets and the basics of the internet + Gadget Show

14:30-16:30 Families can get connected and view the gadget show. Faster broadband means the whole family can go online at the same time. This session includes how to get online, how to speed up your connection and much more.

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Dorset County Council portfolio holder for children and families, said: “We are fortunate to be teaming up with Cosmic who have 17 years of experience in delivering digital training to farming communities across the south west.

“This is the first event they will have helped Superfast Dorset with, although we have been working beside them in supporting businesses through Superfast Business.

“The all-day event in Bridport is a great opportunity for everyone to make the most of the new technology, whatever your experience of the internet and whether you have a business or family.”

Grant Munn, programme manager for BT, one of the major partners in the Superfast Dorset partnership, said: “The Superfast Dorset rollout is making rapid progress. About 5,000 Bridport homes and businesses now have access to fibre broadband and the number is continuing to grow. But this partnership is not just about building a high-speed network. It’s also about helping local people make the most of this exciting technology, hence the reason for events such as these.”

Leader of West Dorset District Council Robert Gould said: “Bringing superfast broadband to rural areas is vitally important and West Dorset District Council has contributed funding of over £1.2million to help make this project a reality.

“Events like this one in Bridport are extremely useful for helping local
businesses and people make the most of these improvements and I am sure
they will be very popular.”

Find out more about the project, sign up to stay in touch with the programme or register to come to one of the Cosmic events at www.dorsetforyou.com/superfast
ENDS

Enquiries about this news release should be made to:
• Penny Syddall on 01305 225065
• For BT enquiries, contact 0800 085 0660. All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.bt.com/newscentre

About the Superfast Dorset project

Superfast Dorset is a partnership between BT, the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, the Borough of Poole, Christchurch Borough Council, East Dorset District Council, North Dorset District Council, Purbeck District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Partner contributions
DMCS - £9.44 m
BT - £12.87 m
Dorset councils - £9.44 m towards the infrastructure plus a further £1.3 m to ensure the benefits are maximised.
Breakdown of Local Authority allocation including project management costs
• Dorset County Council - £7,429,073
• West Dorset District Council - £1,259,834
• Christchurch Borough Council - £100,044
• East Dorset District Council - £293,512
• North Dorset District Council - £741,966
• Purbeck District Council - £350,718
• Weymouth&Portland Borough Council - £153,093
• Bournemouth Borough Council - £70,495
• Poole Borough Council - £227,490

Further information is available from www.dorsetforyou.com/superfast

About Superfast Britain

Superfast Britain is a Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements:
• £780m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017
• £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities
• £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services
Administered on behalf of Government by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.

For further information: https://www.gov.uk/broadband-delivery-uk