Which is better, TDS or Shentel?

Shentel is faster and better rated where you can get it, but TDS reaches 7.4 times as many people, so at most addresses TDS is the one on offer (and it is cheaper to start). They do not serve the same areas, so you will not usually choose between them.

FasterShentelTop speed 10,000 Mbps vs 8,000 Mbps.

Cheaper to startTDSFrom $74.99 a month, vs $85.

Better ratedShentel3.5 of 5 from 34 reviews, vs 3.0 from 38.

Available to more peopleTDS3.6 million people in 31 states, vs 484,281 in 4 states.

TDS
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, cable, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (37)
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Shentel
Price: $85.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (33)
View Plans

TDS vs. Shentel at a glance

Measure	TDS	Shentel
Available to	3.6 million people in 31 states	484,281 people in 4 states
Main technology	Fiber 71%, cable 23%, DSL 22%	Cable 90%, fiber 28%, DSL 4.2%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	8,000 Mbps	10,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up	1,200 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up
Starting price	$74.99 a month	$85 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,800 (100 Mbps plan)	$2,040 (1,200 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.0 of 5 (38 reviews)	3.5 of 5 (34 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.2 of 5	3.9 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.0 of 5

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 TDS and Shentel are available

TDS 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.

TDS currently offers internet service in 1,933 cities and 297 counties across 31 states, reaching approximately 3,658,334 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; and Charlotte, 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: TDS coverage map and Shentel coverage map.

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

TDS vs. Shentel Speeds and Technology

TDS 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, TDS offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 3,704 Mbps compared to Shentel’s average speed of 1,727 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. TDS’s premium Fiber service reaches 69.8% 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.

TDS vs. Shentel Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for TDS 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.

TDS vs. Shentel Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, TDS earns an overall rating of 3.10 / 5 stars from 39 customer reviews, while Shentel maintains a 3.50 / 5 rating from 34 reviews. Shentel outperforms TDS by 0.4 points in overall satisfaction. TDS’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.63 / 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.

TDS vs. Shentel Pros and Cons

TDS

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

Pros

• Good value: praised in 7 of 25 written reviews. "The price and speed are great"
• Easy installation: praised in 4 of 25 written reviews. "Their technicians are almost always timely and have been very knowledgeable"

Cons

• Outages and drops: a complaint in 8 of 25 written reviews (6 call it reliable). "if it rains to hard sometimes the internet goes down"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 8 of 25 written reviews (4 praise the service). "Customer service is horrible"
• Slower than promised: a complaint in 7 of 25 written reviews (4 call it fast). "their speed offerings are very poor"

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.

TDS vs. Shentel Top Cities

TDS serves 1,933 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.