More than a million Scottish homes and businesses will have access to a high-speed broadband network by the end of next year, according to a communications firm.
BT made the announcement as it revealed a further 147,000 premises in 35 communities around the country will be able to access its new fibre broadband service in 2013.
Communities from the Borders and the Lothians to Argyll and Bute and the Highlands are set to be included in the firm's upgrade plans.
BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said the plans mean that about half the households north of the border will be able to connect to the network by the end of next year.
He said: "This latest major investment will help the 35 communities benefiting - many in more rural locations - to overcome the current economic challenges and take full advantage of the upturn when it comes.
"Digital technology is fundamental to how we live and work - and in an increasingly connected world, high-speed communications will become even more essential in the years ahead.
"Research suggests fibre broadband could give a £143 million boost to a typical town's economy and create 225 new jobs and 140 new businesses within 15 years.
"The fibre broadband network we're building today will underpin the local economy for many years to come. The arrival of fibre broadband in each of these new locations will revolutionise the way people use the internet for work, education and connecting with public services."
Towns such as Alva, Burntisland, Dingwall, Dunoon, Fort William, Kelso and Lesmahagow are included in the upgrade plans.
BT said that once the work is completed the total number of Scottish homes and businesses able to connect to the network will reach 1.13 million, whereas currently more than 368,000 premises have access and a variety of other upgrade programmes are in progress as part of a £2.5 billion UK-wide investment.
