BT is aiming to deliver the most demanding broadband roll out the UK has seen in a £146 million programme to provide a fibre network for Scotland's Highlands and Islands.
It says it will make the network available to about 84% of homes and businesses in the region by the end of 2016.
The project is being led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the region's economic development agency, with BT responsible for the installation of the infrastructure.
Most of the money is coming from the public sector, notably the Scottish Government's broadband fund and HIE's budget, while BT is contributing £19.4 million.
Bill Murphy, BT Group's Managing Director of Next Generation Broadband, said: "There are incredible obstacles to overcome, not least building a fibre network across some of the most rugged terrain in the UK. And we have huge distances to cover as we lay our cables over the hills and glens and under the sea."