Shentel Completes the Expansion of High-Speed, Reliable Broadband Service in Shenandoah County, VA
Rhea-AI Summary
Shentel (Nasdaq: SHEN) completed a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) project on December 11, 2025, extending gigabit broadband to more than 7,000 previously unserved homes in Shenandoah County, Virginia.
The $50 million construction project was funded by VATI, Shentel capital investment, and a Shenandoah County contribution. Company statements emphasize improved connectivity for education, healthcare, and economic development and highlight local customer service, straightforward pricing, and voice/video options.
Positive
- 7,000+ previously unserved homes reached with gigabit broadband
- $50 million construction investment completed
- Project funded by VATI grants, Shentel capital, and county contribution
- Expanded service supports education, healthcare, and local economic activity
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Telecom peers like CABO (+8.74%), ATUS (+1.70%), LILA (+1.68%), LILAK (+1.43%), and SIFY (+1.18%) also showed gains, indicating a generally positive tape, but momentum scanners did not flag a broad sector move for SHEN.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 08 | Debt refinancing | Positive | -0.4% | Refinancing extended debt maturities and lowered borrowing costs. |
| Dec 04 | Network expansion | Positive | +0.4% | Launch of fiber-to-the-home internet service in Radford, Virginia. |
| Dec 01 | Conference participation | Neutral | +0.4% | CEO scheduled for FTTH-focused panels at major investor conferences. |
| Nov 20 | Debt offering pricing | Neutral | +1.1% | Pricing of secured fiber network asset securitization notes. |
| Nov 17 | Debt offering launch | Negative | -4.3% | Launch of large fiber network term note offering under Rule 144A. |
Recent SHEN news has mostly seen price reactions that align with the apparent tone of each announcement, with only the refinancing update drawing a mildly contrary move.
Over the past several weeks, Shenandoah Telecommunications has focused on fiber growth and balance sheet optimization. In mid-November 2025, the company launched and then priced a $567.405M fiber network securitization, later completing a broader refinancing that reduced borrowing costs and extended maturities. At the same time, SHEN continued expanding its fiber-to-the-home footprint, including a Radford, VA launch. Today’s Shenandoah County broadband completion fits this pattern of steady rural fiber build-out supported by long-term infrastructure financing.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights completion of a $50 million broadband project that brings gigabit service to more than 7,000 previously unserved Shenandoah County homes, reinforcing SHEN’s focus on rural fiber expansion. In context of recent securitization and refinancing activity, it underscores the company’s strategy of pairing long-term funding with network build-outs. Investors may watch how quickly these new passings translate into subscribers and how ongoing capital needs affect profitability and leverage.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
EDINBURG, Va., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) (Nasdaq: SHEN), a leading broadband service provider, is pleased to announce the completion of its Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) project to expand gigabit broadband internet service to more than 7,000 previously unserved homes in Shenandoah County, Virginia. The
“Readily available broadband and high-speed internet have become standard expectations for prospective businesses and their workforce in today's increasingly digital economy.” said Jenna French, Director of Tourism and Economic Development. “We were thrilled to partner with our very own, locally headquartered company, Shentel, knowing they could not only deliver outstanding service, but also provide connectivity throughout the County in a timely fashion to serve our local residents, even in the most rural of locations.”
The VATI program is built on the power of partnerships between counties and internet service providers, creating a collaborative environment to bridge the digital divide. Josh Stephens, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, reflected, “Even before grants were available, the Board of Supervisors understood that there were underserved areas in the county without high-speed broadband availability. When VATI funding became available, we had options on who to work with in making this expansion come to fruition. We chose Shentel and that turned out to be the best decision. Shentel's commitment to our community to provide this service was evident from the beginning. Their consistent communication with our Board through the duration of the project was also something to be noted as exemplary and was greatly appreciated.”
“We are very pleased that Shenandoah County and Shentel were able to successfully complete their broadband expansion projects through our Virginia Telecommunication Initiative,” said Maggie Beal, Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. “This initiative reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening local infrastructure and ensuring every resident has access to the tools they need to fully participate in the 21st Century.”
As a leading broadband internet provider serving smaller markets and rural communities, Shentel takes great pride in several key differentiators:
- Fast internet with exceptional reliability
- Easy, straight-forward pricing with no long-term contracts
- Prompt and friendly local customer service
- A full range of video and voice service options
“Expanding rural broadband is no small feat given the costs and distances involved,” said Chris Kyle, VP of Industry Affairs & Regulatory at Shentel. “Thanks to these grants, strong local leadership, and a great partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Shenandoah County is setting the pace for connectivity. This progress means residents can access the high-speed internet essential for learning, healthcare, and economic opportunity—building a stronger future for our community.”
To learn more about Shentel, please visit www.shentel.com for residential service and www.shentelbusiness.com for commercial service.
About Shenandoah Telecommunications
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) provides broadband services through its high speed, state-of-the-art fiber optic and cable networks to residential and commercial customers in eight contiguous states in the eastern United States. Shentel’s services include: broadband internet, video, voice, high-speed Ethernet, dark fiber leasing, and managed network services. The Company owns an extensive regional network with over 18,000 route miles of fiber. For more information, please visit www.shentel.com.
Media Contact:
Jennifer McDowell
Jennifer.McDowell@emp.shentel.com
540-984-5055
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ab14cef-374c-4888-96c6-0e629808ac40
FAQ
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