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Frontier vs. Shentel

Whether you’re researching Frontier vs. Shentel internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Frontier
Price: $44.99 - $124.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 7,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (165)

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Shentel
Price: $85.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (33)

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Frontier and Shentel compete directly in approximately 0.35% of their service areas, with Frontier covering 31,112,875 people nationwide and Shentel serving 495,665. Frontier primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Shentel specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Frontier and Shentel’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Frontier vs. Shentel | Pros & Cons

Frontier Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Early termination fees apply
  • Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours

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Shentel Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing

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Frontier vs. Shentel | Availability

Frontier and Shentel have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | Frontier Available | Shentel Available | No Coverage

Frontier currently offers internet service in 9,909 cities and 843 counties across 26 states, reaching approximately 31,112,875 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; and Tampa, FL. By comparison, Shentel serves 495,665 residents in 571 cities and 62 counties in 4 states, with a presence in population centers such as Christiansburg, VA; Forest, VA; and Radford, VA.

Frontier has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 23 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Shentel is prominent in the South Atlantic with service to 571 cities and 313 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 69, Shentel offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Frontier and Shentel at your location, use our address search tool:

Frontier vs. Shentel | Speeds & Technology

Frontier and Shentel utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Frontier primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer DSL to less than 1% of their coverage area. Shentel relies on cable technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with fiber available in less than 1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Frontier offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 5,021 Mbps compared to Shentel’s average speed of 1,727 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Frontier delivers faster speeds in 34.46% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 65.54%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Frontier’s premium Fiber service reaches 75.8% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Shentel’s top-tier Fiber is available to 27.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Frontier vs. Shentel | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Frontier and Shentel, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Frontier Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 500$44.99500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$64.991000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$79.992000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber
Fiber 5 Gig$104.995000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber
Fiber 7 Gig$124.997000 Mbps7000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Frontier's official website, last verified September 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Frontier Plans

Shentel Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
1.2 Gig Internet$85.001200 Mbps50 MbpsCable

Sourced directly from Shentel's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Shentel Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Frontier vs. Shentel | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Frontier and Shentel based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Frontier earns an overall rating of 3.35 / 5 stars from 171 customer reviews, while Shentel maintains a 3.50 / 5 rating from 34 reviews. Shentel outperforms Frontier by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. Frontier’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.69 / 5 stars, compared to Shentel’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.33 / 5 stars.

Frontier Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.69 of 5 stars

(114)

DSL

DSL: 2.65 of 5 stars

(57)

Frontier has an overall rating of 3.35 out of 5, with a total of 171 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Frontier’s ratings, their Fiber service (67% of reviews) averages 3.69 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Frontier Internet Reviews page.

Shentel Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.33 of 5 stars

(6)

Cable

Cable: 3.25 of 5 stars

(24)

DSL

DSL: 3.75 of 5 stars

(4)

Shentel has an overall rating of 3.50 out of 5, with a total of 34 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Shentel’s ratings, their Cable service (71% of reviews) averages 3.25 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Shentel Internet Reviews page.

Frontier vs. Shentel | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

Frontier Service

Fee

Not Provided by Frontier

Shentel Service

Fee

No additional fees listed

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Frontier vs. Shentel | Top Cities

Frontier serves 9,909 cities while Shentel is available in 571 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Frontier Cities

Los Angeles, CA
  • Availability: 28.72%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,120 Mbps
Riverside, CA
  • Availability: 65.18%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,428 Mbps
Tampa, FL
  • Availability: 75.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,820 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 23.31%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,698 Mbps
Hartford, CT
  • Availability: 95.42%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,585 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Weston, WV
  • Frontier Avg. Speed: 6,967 Mbps
  • Shentel Avg. Speed: 2,000 Mbps
Summersville, WV
  • Frontier Avg. Speed: 6,442 Mbps
  • Shentel Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Petersburg, WV
  • Frontier Avg. Speed: 1,546 Mbps
  • Shentel Avg. Speed: 1,288 Mbps
Craigsville, WV
  • Frontier Avg. Speed: 93 Mbps
  • Shentel Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Welch, WV
  • Frontier Avg. Speed: 31 Mbps
  • Shentel Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Shentel Cities

Christiansburg, VA
  • Availability: 93.09%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,253 Mbps
Forest, VA
  • Availability: 98.68%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,986 Mbps
Radford, VA
  • Availability: 91.16%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 3,951 Mbps
Lynchburg, VA
  • Availability: 17.85%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,680 Mbps
Rocky Mount, VA
  • Availability: 95.83%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,970 Mbps