The Schoharie County company MidTel is looking to expand further into the Hilltowns.

The fight over whether broadband should be classified as a telecommunication (utility) service or an information service has been going on in the nation’s capital for well over a decade

The Helderberg Hilltowns are receiving millions of dollars in state funds for broadband expansion that includes wireless internet.

In order for a cable company to qualify for a grant to fund expanding its internet service in Westerlo, the town must go through a multi-step process to approve a contract before Aug. 15. But last week at a board meeting, town officials were wary of being locked into a contract.

In the rural Hilltowns, an area described as “unserved and underserved,” in terms of internet, service providers are looking to change this.

A member of the gallery accused the planning board chairwoman of a conflict of interest by expressing a desire for cell service, and threatened a legal battle should the tower be approved.

At his State of the County address on Monday night, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy brought up new initiatives such as expanding internet access in the Hilltowns and efforts to finish paving the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail.

WESTERLO — The committee working to increase broadband access in rural Westerlo wants to draft a new agreement with Mid-Hudson cable. The committee is asking residents who want service to make their needs known.

Some Rensselaerville residents are in the right place, with the right telephone company.

NEW SCOTLAND — A man of principle and passion, Peter Henner worked for causes he believed in with the same logic and commitment he used when playing chess. He tackled his legal work as he tackled mountains on climbs with his wife — with a sense of adventure.