PIERRE, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – Governor Kristi Noem will ask state lawmakers to set aside $100 million over the next few years to expand and upgrade broadband internet service across the state.

Public Utilities Commission Chairman Chris Nelson says that type of spending is critical.

Nelson says its not only a matter of network speed, but capacity.

Nelson says besides extending service, more upgrades will be needed, too.

While current broadband is defined as 25 meg download and three meg upload, most applications will need gigabit service to run adequately.