CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Senate has approved a sales-tax break for companies that provide internet and other telecommunications services to rural areas.

The bill heads back to the state House to vote on changes made in the Senate leading up to Tuesday's 17-12 vote of approval.

Under the bill, telecom companies seeking to qualify for the tax break would need to provide residential download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second.

Several senators argued against the bill, saying it would do little to boost rural internet service.

Proponents include Republican Sen. Ogden Driskill, of Devils Tower, who says even small investments in rural broadband can make a huge difference.

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