Valley Electric Association will discontinue expansion of its WildBlue satellite Internet service after the first of the year, a spokeswoman announced.

However, said Staci Behnke, the co-op will continue to support and maintain service for its current WildBlue accounts.

Today, with other broadband providers having entered the marketplace, there are a number of options available for those who wish to be served, Behnke said. "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 the intended purpose."

VEA conducted comprehensive market research in 2004, prior to the initial offering of the service. According to Behnke, the research indicated the absence of reliable high-speed broadband Internet connectivity throughout VEA's service area.

"Our communities were on the other side of a digital divide," Behnke said. "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 to fill the gap.