WHITESVILLE, N.Y. — As part of New York's new broadband program, a small woodshop in rural New York is finally able to connect to the internet.
Whitesville Wood Products manufacturers lumber primarily for Asian markets, sending over 80 percent of its products overseas. The company says having access to high-speed internet is crucial for communicating with its buyers.
“This is absolutely huge,” said Whitesville Wood Products manager William Meunier. “That’s how we correspond with the Chinese. Because of the time difference, phone calls are almost impossible. The internet makes it simple. Every month probably 25 containers of lumber go to China.”
Created by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the new $500 million NY Broadband Program is a project that provides internet to previously unserved and underserved areas around New York. Its goal is to bring high-speed internet to all corners of the state by the end of the year.
“On behalf of the town board and the residents of Whitesville, we’re just thrilled,” said Whitesville town supervisor Jeri Reichman. “Thank you for bringing us into the 21st Century, and for all the support you’ve given this little town over the years.”
“It’s no less than a transformational technology,” said Armstrong Telecommunications Vice President Shawn Beqaj, who supplies the internet for the program.
“The wood mill here deals with China on a daily basis. They can’t communicate with China because the Chinese buyers that buy their lumber need to get pictures of that lumber over the internet. With a DSL modem that is virtually impossible. It could take hours to send one image. This will send virtually limitless data on demand."
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.