Benton Rural Electric Association (REA) is getting out of the internet services business. 

The public utility sold its PowerNET internet service to Yakima-based Advanced High Speed Internet for $110,000, Benton REA told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. Benton REA says that company is better positioned to serve PowerNET’s customers. 

“The sale of PowerNET to Advanced High Speed Internet will give customers the service they deserve from a company that specializes in rural internet services,” said Benton REA CEO Ryan Redmond in a release. “At the same time, it allows Benton REA to solely focus on what we do best – providing safe, reliable and affordable electrical services to our membership.” 

Benton REA has provided Internet service through PowerNET since 1997 to connect rural and underserved communities. PowerNET currently serves about 1,000 users.  

The sale will free up the utility’s bandwidth to address the challenges facing the electric industry and provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to its members.