VEA to discontinue satellite internet expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Staci Behnke
Valley electric Association, Inc.
775.727.5312
stacib@vea.coop

Pahrump, NV -- According to company spokesperson, Staci Behnke, Valley Electric Association (VEA) will discontinue expansion of its WildBlue Satellite Internet service after January 1, 2008. However, VEA will continue to support and maintain service for its current WildBlue customers.
VEA conducted comprehensive market research in 2004 prior to the initial offering of its WildBlue satellite internet service. According to Behnke, VEA's research revealed the absence of reliable, high speed, broadband internet connectivity throughout the VEA service territory. Added Behnke, ''our communities were on the other side of a digital divide. Without viable broadband service, the gap was widening. Our communities were being disenfranchised because telecom companies were unwilling to make the investment to deliver what has become an essential communications service for business and commerce.''

In response, VEA entered into the high speed broadband, internet business in collaboration with the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) to fill the gap.
Today, with a number of other broadband providers having now entered the marketplace, there are now a number of options available for those who wish to be served. Behnke closed by saying, ''we've helped to transform the broadband internet marketplace in our area. The operation of a cooperative includes the responsibility to begin and end programs in a timely manner as the needs of the membership change. This is the proper decision at the proper time. It's time for us to cease expansion and let the marketplace work. We have served our intended purpose.''

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