Almost 15,000 jobs could be created by boosting Scotland's broadband infrastructure, the Scottish Government has predicted.
A new report said action by the public sector to increase the availability of high-speed broadband could create "a significant number of jobs".
Installing the new technology could create more than 800 jobs over five years, according to the report.
There could be an additional 70 jobs operating the new network over a 15-year period, with the report stating: "We also expect that almost 14,000 indirect jobs will be created over the same 15-year period."
These could be in areas such as e-commerce, social media, tourism, cyber-security and research and development.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The huge potential and massive opportunities are clear. In addition to creating around 800 jobs building the infrastructure over the next five years, the investment in improving Scotland's digital connectivity is forecast to support around 14,000 jobs in the wider Scottish economy over the next 15 years."
The Scottish Government has already outlined its ambition for high-speed next generation broadband services to be available to everyone by 2020, with significant progress made towards this by 2015.
Ms Sturgeon said: "Our commitment will mean new, high-quality jobs in cutting-edge areas like e-commerce and digital engineering, but investment in our digital economy will not only boost jobs, it will transform our businesses, raising productivity and opening up new markets to attract inward investment. It will also change the way that we live - from the way we book holidays to the way we access healthcare. We are committed to ensuring that all of Scotland is able to reap the social and cultural benefits of the internet."
The report has been published to show what progress had been made in delivering the Government's digital strategy. It said about half of premises in Scotland are in postcodes where high-speed broadband is currently available.
The report highlighted increased investment from the UK Government for funding for next generation broadband services. More than £240 million has been secured for this, including just over £100 million from the UK Government. As part of that, £120 million will go towards improving broadband in the Highlands and Islands, with £5 million to help community groups in rural areas gain access to broadband networks.
