Which is better, Lumos Networks or Shentel?

Lumos Networks is better rated, cheaper to start and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 46,491 people), each has the faster top speed for about half the homes.

FasterToo close to callEach has the faster top speed for about half the homes where both are offered (50% and 50%).

Cheaper to startLumos NetworksFrom $40 a month, vs $85.

Better ratedLumos Networks4.0 of 5 from 28 reviews, vs 3.5 from 34.

Available to more peopleLumos Networks2 million people in 9 states, vs 484,281 in 4 states.

Lumos Networks
Price: $40.00 - $100.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (27)
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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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Lumos Networks vs. Shentel at a glance

Measure	Lumos Networks	Shentel
Available to	2 million people in 9 states	484,281 people in 4 states
Main technology	Fiber 96%, DSL 6.3%	Cable 90%, fiber 28%, DSL 4.2%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	10,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	2,000 Mbps down, 2,000 Mbps up	1,200 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up
Starting price	$40 a month	$85 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$960 (200 Mbps plan)	$2,040 (1,200 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	4.0 of 5 (28 reviews)	3.5 of 5 (34 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.1 of 5	3.9 of 5
Rated for price	3.8 of 5	3.0 of 5
Where both are offered	About 46,491 people (9.6% of Shentel's area); each is faster for about half of them

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Lumos Networks and Shentel are available

Lumos Networks 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.

Lumos Networks currently offers internet service in 303 cities and 45 counties across 9 states, reaching approximately 1,997,151 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Greensboro, NC; Columbia, SC; and Winston-Salem, NC. 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.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Lumos Networks coverage map and Shentel coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Lumos Networks, Shentel or both are offered at your home.

Lumos Networks vs. Shentel Speeds and Technology

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

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Lumos Networks offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,771 Mbps compared to Shentel’s average speed of 1,727 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Lumos Networks’s premium Fiber service reaches 95.4% 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.

Lumos Networks vs. Shentel Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Lumos Networks 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.

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.

Lumos Networks vs. Shentel Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Lumos Networks earns an overall rating of 3.96 / 5 stars from 28 customer reviews, while Shentel maintains a 3.50 / 5 rating from 34 reviews. Lumos Networks outperforms Shentel by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. Lumos Networks’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 4.07 / 5 stars, compared to Shentel’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.33 / 5 stars.

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.

Lumos Networks vs. Shentel Pros and Cons

Lumos Networks

From 19 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 10 of 19 written reviews. "the speed is roughly 50 times greater"
• Reliable connection: praised in 9 of 19 written reviews. "it never goes down"
• Good value: praised in 9 of 19 written reviews. "It serves my needs at a fair price"

Cons

Shentel

From 25 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 11 of 25 written reviews (4 call it slow). "Shentel internet provides fast, reliable internet"
• Helpful customer service: praised in 3 of 25 written reviews. "As many times as I have called Shentel they have been quick, yes"

Cons

• Slow uploads: 50 Mbps up on its 1,200 Mbps plan.

Lumos Networks vs. Shentel Top Cities

Lumos Networks serves 303 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.