Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) announced the completion of its Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) project to expand gigabit broadband internet service to more than 6,700 previously unserved homes in Franklin County, Virginia.
The $32 million construction project was partly funded by the nationally recognized VATI program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional funding was provided through Shentel’s own capital investment and a contribution from Franklin County.
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 Prompt and friendly local customer service A full range of video and voice service options
Steven Sandy, County Administrator
Franklin County sincerely appreciates the partnerships and funding provided from the State of Virginia through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) program and the significant private investment made by Shentel to extend new high speed internet services to thousands of Franklin County residents and households. Shentel has been a valued business partner in Franklin County for many years and we were glad to have them as a partner in this very important project. Without these partnerships and funding, the availability of these services for our citizens and businesses would have taken many more years to complete.
Chris Kyle, Vice President of Regulatory & Industry Affairs
Expanding broadband in rural areas takes sustained effort, close coordination, and a shared commitment to seeing complex projects through to completion. Working alongside Steve Sandy and his team at Franklin County as well as the Department of Housing & Community Development, we’ve completed a network expansion that brings high-capacity internet service to thousands of homes that previously had limited or no options. This investment strengthens the county’s infrastructure and helps ensure residents, businesses, and community institutions have the connectivity they need to move forward with confidence.
