To the Editor:

The Broadband Research Committee of Westerlo is attempting to identify residents of the town who would like broadband service from Mid-Hudson Cable.

For the past several months, the committee has worked on compiling areas that might qualify for new service areas in Westerlo. If you, individually, contacted Mid-Hudson Cable for service, a “line extension form” would have to be completed and submitted.

What we are trying to accomplish is to identify residents of Westerlo who would like the opportunity to get either cable TV or internet or phone from Mid-Hudson Cable but cannot, because the cable does not run by their home. With a sufficient number of responses, particularly if they are located relatively near each other, we have a much better chance of leveraging Mid-Hudson Cable to expand its network, at its cost, than if the residents, individually, request service to MHC on a road without cable service.

If interested, please send your name, Westerlo address, and phone number to me at or send the information to my attention at the town hall. We will then request MHC to expand into those areas with significant interest. Getting your neighbors interested with help your chances of service.

The question that is asked the most is cost: What will it cost me on a monthly basis? There are several service options available from basic to a full-blown digital package. I would suggest that, if interested, you contact MHC at (518) 943-6600 and inquire.

Our goal is to submit all of the “newly identified service areas” to MHC within the next few months and request that the company provide a reasonable timeline for bringing all on line.

Our next committee meeting is March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Westerlo Town Hall.

Dotty Verch, chairwoman

Broadband Research Committee

Westerlo