Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act into law Wednesday, making it possible for internet service providers to apply for grants to grow more high-speed internet options in underserved areas of the state. Initially proposed by former Gov. Robert Bentley, the bill made it through the legislature and was approved by Ivey before the end of the legislative session. With more than one million people in the state having limited or no internet access whatsoever, passage of this legislation means more Alabamians could have easier access to all that being online entails.

Since the world has been increasingly digitizing, having widespread access to broadband internet is a great asset for everyone involved. Students can reach search engines and other online tools for assignments that much more easily. Patients can look up any medical symptoms and have more information ready when they visit their doctor. Businesses and industries thrive with an online presence.

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