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EDINBURG, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shenandoah Telecommunications Company ("Shentel") (Nasdaq: SHEN), a leading provider of broadband services, recently extended high-speed, gigabit internet service to approximately 5,000 additional homes in Shenandoah County and plans to add over 2,000 more by the end of the year. This $47 million construction project is partly funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia's nationally recognized Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI). The rest of the funding comes from Shentel's own capital investment and a significant contribution from Shenandoah County. The goal of the VATI initiative is to create strong, competitive communities by expanding broadband infrastructure into rural areas that lack access to high-speed internet.
"Shenandoah County is thrilled with the progress of its partnership with Shentel and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through the VATI grant," said Doug Culler, Director of Network Services for Shenandoah County. "This partnership has brought high-speed broadband to the most rural parts of the County, including Fort Valley. This crucial upgrade opens doors to greater opportunities in education, economic growth, healthcare, and an improved quality of life for residents. It creates a more connected rural landscape, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources and opportunities."
"Shenandoah County has been fortunate to have such a partner as Shentel to help expand broadband accessibility to the most rural parts of our county. This commitment to Shenandoah County has not wavered since the company was founded in 1902. Their willingness to invest in making certain the majority of the communities in our county are served with modern services will not only have a significant impact on our citizens today, but for generations who will call Shenandoah County home in the future", said Josh Stephens, Chairman of the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors.
"These rural broadband projects are particularly challenging to build due to the higher costs associated with lower population density and extensive distances between homes. With the help of these grants and excellent leadership from the Virginia Office of Broadband and Shenandoah County, we are making a difference in people's lives," said Chris Kyle, Vice President of Industry Affairs and Regulatory at Shentel. "We appreciate the support of the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors in choosing to partner with Shentel on this initiative."