The Office of Regulatory Staff is granting millions to service providers to expand broadband in rural areas. Author: Julia Kauffman (WLTX) Updated: 11:45 AM EDT April 2, 2021 COLUMBIA, S.C. — More funding is on the way to help broadband expansion efforts in South Carolina. The Office of Regulatory Staff has received $30 million from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and is expecting millions from the state budget to expand broadband in rural areas. Lack of broadband access is an issue across the state, especially in rural areas. "It’s very challenging," Kristine Schaffer, a woman in Cherokee County told News19. Schaffer can't get internet in her home and drives 30 minutes into town to get WiFi so she can work.