BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal officials say telecommunications giant CenturyLink, Inc. is getting $1.9 million to provide rural broadband internet service in rural areas of Montana.

The Federal Communications Commission says the money will help provide high-speed internet service to 6,300 residents who currently lack access. The agency says more than 55 percent of the state’s rural population, or about 245,000 people, lack such access.