Tens of thousands of homes will benefit from high-speed broadbank by next summer.

Telecom provider BT is rolling out plans for faster broadband to 47 communities across Scotland over the next six months.

The new service will be delivered over copper lines and offers internet connection at speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps), more than double the maximum previously available in the UK.

The latest move means more than 1.5million homes and businesses - around 72% of all properties - will benefit from the next-generation broadband by next summer.

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, said: "BT’s roll-out of faster broadband across Scotland is gathering pace.

"Earlier this month we announced plans which will make super-fast, fibre-based broadband available to 695,500 homes and businesses by the end of next year. Now we are able to confirm a further major investment in faster broadband speeds over copper lines.

"At a time of economic uncertainty these major improvements will provide a big boost for local businesses and offer many additional educational and entertainment opportunities for local households."

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Investment, said: "Faster broadband is going to play a key role in Scotland’s future success.

"In an increasingly competitive and technological world it is vital that local businesses and households have access to high-speed sophisticated communications. Just like roads and railways, broadband is a vital part of the essential infrastructure of Scotland."

The exchanges being upgraded by next summer are:

• Angus - Kirriemuir and Monifieth.
• Ayrshire - Girvan; Maybole; Stewarton and Alloway.
• Borders - Hawick and Selkirk.
• Clackmannanshire - Alva.
• Dumfries & Galloway - Stranraer.
• East Lothian - Haddington.
• East Renfrewshire - Eaglesham.
• Fife - Anstruther; Ladybank; Burntisland; Kennoway; Ballingry; Cowdenbeath; Newport/Wormit and Kelty.
• Grampian - Huntly; Kintore/TRS; Lossiemouth; Bucksburn; Banchory; Culter; Peterhead and Portlethen.
• Highland - Alness; Dingwall; Grantown-on-Spey; Invergordon; Fort William and Oban.
• Orkney Islands - Kirkwall.
• Perthshire - Stanley and Bridge of Earn.
• Shetland Isles - Lerwick.
• Stirlingshire - Bridge of Allan.
• Strathclyde - Maryhill; Springburn; Bishopbriggs; Busby and Stepps.
• West Lothian - Armadale; West Calder and Fauldhouse.