Rick Karlin in the Albany Times-Union reports that Hudson Valley lawmakers had constituent complaints for the telecommunications officials grilled at a daylong hearing on broadband, cable, and phone access on Jan. 20. The Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; and Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry committees hosted the hearing, and local representatives Didi Barrett, Steve McLaughlin, and Pete Lopez had questions. "This is one of the biggest issues facing us in New York,'' said Troy-area Republican Steve McLaughlin, about internet access. "I have folks that would be happy with 15 mbps." Pete Lopez, a Republican who represents Greene, Schoharie and parts of Ulster and Albany counties, wanted more cell towers in his district. "My region is bereft of cell tower coverage ... How do we fund it?" he said. Didi Barrett, a Democrat who represents Columbia and Dutchess counties, said she can't drive through Columbia County without dropping calls. Read the full story in the Albany Times-Union.