Internet service provider Shentel announced that roughly 6,000 new fiber optic customers joined its network during the first quarter of 2026.
Concurrently, the broadband customer churn rate reached 1.46%, equating to about 3,000 individuals. According to Mackay, this attrition is attributable to Starlink’s promotional efforts concerning its satellite broadband service in the rural territories served by Shentel—specifically, a monthly discount of $15 and the provision of a complimentary antenna. He noted that to counter Musk’s company in these specific areas, Shentel offered complimentary speed upgrades.
Shentel registered a quarterly loss totaling $15 million, exceeding the figure from the same period last year, though the firm anticipates resuming positive cash flow once its construction projects are finalized in 2027. The company currently serves 205,000 broadband subscribers, comprising 94,000 fiber optic users and 111,000 cable television users. Over the quarter, Shentel saw a decrease of 600 cable TV customers. Following this announcement, Shentel’s stock depreciated by 8 percent.
Shentel (Shenandoah Telecommunications Company) is an American telecommunications provider delivering high-speed internet access, cable television, and residential phone services across rural parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. Established in 1902, the company focuses on serving less densely populated areas, deploying fiber optic connections while also expanding its proprietary 100G network infrastructure.
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