IBEC, a company that has been providing Internet service over some of Parke County REMC power lines, recently told its customers in the area that it was going out of business and would shut down Internet service, perhaps as early as the end of January.

"IBEC had told us they were having financial problems, but the news that they were shutting down suddenly came as a surprise," Parke County REMC General Manager Greg Ternet said.

"Their decision was outside our control. The REMC was working with IBEC to use our power lines to bring the Internet to some of our service areas, but they are an entirely separate company."

Despite the fact that Parke County REMC is not responsible for the IBEC service or the shutdown, its employees have made suggestions to affected customers about other potential Internet providers.

"We hope to minimize the inconvenience to our members," Ternet added. "Our board continues to be committed to finding ways to bring high-speed Internet to the areas we serve."   IBEC is based in Alabama.

Ternet recommended that members with questions about the situation contact the REMC at 765-596-3133 or 800-537-3913.