Virginia

Shentel Brings Internet Access to About 5,000 Homes in Bedford County, Virginia

The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative continues to support two more broadband projects in the county.

Kelcie Lee

Mar 4, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of Shentel crew laying fiber, from Shenandoah Telecommunications Company.

March 4, 2026 – Nearly 5,000 previously unserved homes in Bedford County, Virginia, now have access to gigabit broadband internet service.

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) announced that it completed its $24 million construction project Tuesday, which was partially funded by the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI), Shentel’s capital investment and Bedford County.

County Administrator Robert Hiss said Shentel’s efforts have continuously supported Bedford County’s board of supervisors’ goal of universal broadband access for both residents and businesses.

Learn More about the BEAD Event of 2026!

Post tagged in

Virginia Bedford County VATI Robert Hiss Shentel Chris Kyle RiverStreet ZiTel RiverStreet Communications Rural Access rural broadband Unserved Homes gigabit broadband underserved

Member discussion

New CEO at Omidyar Network, Which Seeks to Loosen Silicon Valley's Grip on AI Development

Former civil rights lawyer and Google executive at left-leaning organization, with a mission is to expand access to the digital revolution's economic opportunities.

Some BEAD Winners Seeing Tight Fiber Market

ISPs have reported canceled or delayed orders.

FCC Suspends Belthrough from Phone Network for Violating Robocall Rules

Broadband Breakfast on March 18, 2026 – BEAD Implementation Summit: Arielle Roth Fireside Chat

NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth takes center stage at Broadband Breakfast's BEAD Implementation Summit for a Fireside Chat on the state of the federal broadband funding program.