Shentel vs. Foothills Communications

Whether you’re researching Shentel vs. Foothills Communications 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.

Shentel and Foothills Communications compete directly in approximately 1.23% of their service areas, with Shentel covering 463,587 people nationwide and Foothills Communications serving 59,694. Shentel primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Foothills Communications specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Shentel and Foothills Communications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Pros & Cons

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Availability

Shentel and Foothills Communications 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 | Shentel Available | Foothills Communications Available | No Coverage

Shentel currently offers internet service in 503 cities and 57 counties across 4 states, reaching approximately 463,587 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Christiansburg, VA; Forest, VA; and Radford, VA. By comparison, Foothills Communications serves 59,694 residents in 102 cities and 10 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Louisa, KY; Salyersville, KY; and Paintsville, KY.

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

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Speeds & Technology

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

Across their service areas, Shentel primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 88.9% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 22.3% of their coverage area. Foothills Communications relies on fiber technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Shentel offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,670 Mbps compared to Foothills Communications’s average speed of 1,000 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Shentel delivers faster speeds in 100.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Shentel’s premium Fiber service reaches 22.3% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Foothills Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Shentel and Foothills Communications, 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.

Shentel Plans

Foothills Communications 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.

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Shentel earns an overall rating of 3.48 / 5 stars from 33 customer reviews, while Foothills Communications maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 5 reviews. Foothills Communications outperforms Shentel by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. Shentel’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 4.33 / 5 stars, compared to Foothills Communications’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.00 / 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.

Shentel vs. Foothills Communications | Top Cities

Shentel serves 503 cities while Foothills Communications is available in 102 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.