A £146 MILLION scheme to deliver high-speed fibre broadband across most of the Highlands and Islands is launched today.
The project, which faces enormous challenges due to the physical geography of the area, aims to transform the area's digital capabilities for decades to come. It is being led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by BT.
It means around 84% of the region's homes and businesses will have access to fibre broadband by the end of the project.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the project demonstrated the confidence ministers have in the economic future of the Highlands and Islands.
She said: "Next generation broadband enables businesses to compete on the international stage."
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HIE, said: "This ambitious project is a game changer for the Highlands and Islands.
"It will roll out modern, fast and reliable broadband to areas that could not have hoped to have it introduced commercially."
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