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Montana’s Communications Advisory Commission on Monday approved spending more than $300 million to bring more residents high-speed internet, including millions for satellite connections to companies like Amazon and StarLink.

The federal money for high-speed internet coverage is expected to expand to another 71,975 locations across the state. Department of Administration director Misty Ann Giles, a member of the council, said 32 grant applications had been selected.

Federal rules changed for the program, which led to something of a scramble, committee members said Monday. Those changes included prioritizing “speed and scalability,” said Rep. Ed Buttrey, who leads the committee. He added that the changes also put less emphasis on what type of internet c

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