HILLTOWNS — Two structures are proposed for the Hilltowns by the Middleburgh Telephone Company, or MidTel, to expand its internet services to homes in Berne, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville.

Jim Becker, the president of MidTel, said that the proposed structures are known as “network aggregation points,” which connect fiber-optic cables to a main line that leads back to the company’s Middleburgh hub. The structures are 10 by 12 feet in area and 8 feet high, he said.

One structure is proposed for Canaday Hill Road behind the Berne firehouse. MidTel has applied for a use variance to build the network aggregation point; a public hearing on the matter is being held by the zoning board on Wednesday night at Berne’s town hall.

The other structure has been proposed for Rensselaerville on property owned by Rochelle Kuhar behind her and her husband’s restaurant, Kuhar Family Farm, and the town’s post office on Route 353. Kuhar said that discussions with MidTel have gone on for the better part of the year, and the structure will be located near the rear parking lot.

“It’s tucked into a corner and I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for our customers,” Kuhar said.

Becker said that the proposed structure has been approved by the Rensselaerville zoning board and will have to be approved by the town board next month.

The expansion into the Hilltowns is funded by a third and final round of grants awarded to companies by the New NY Broadband Program. Eighty-percent of the $2.9 million project is funded by state grants, and the rest is funded by private investments, said Becker.

“But for the grants, we wouldn’t be doing this expansion,” said Becker. “Because the return on investment is too far out.”

The company has also received grants for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program. The first expansion has been completed, and the second is in its final stages, said Becker. The third expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, he said

If the company has not finished by then, said Becker, it will have to return the grant money. MidTel will have another two years to install internet access in the expansion-area homes.

Some of the lines are buried, said Becker, but the majority will be hung on utility poles.

State grants were awarded to fund internet companies to expand their reach into areas that were considered unserved or underserved in terms of internet access, meaning there were few to no options for internet services. Becker said that, for Hilltown residents who will now have access through MidTel, the cost is generally $60 a month for standalone internet.