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Highlights:

  • SHEN to acquire assets and operations of WideOpen Blacksburg to expand Glo Fiber in Virginia.
  • The company plans to complete the transaction by early to mid-July 2025.
  • SHEN aims to integrate the acquired gigabit fiber network into its 17,200-mile regional fiber footprint. 

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (“Shentel”, Nasdaq: SHEN) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Blacksburg Broadband LLC, which operates under the name WideOpen Blacksburg. The transaction is expected to close by early to mid-July 2025, further extending Shentel’s Glo Fiber service in the town of Blacksburg, Virginia. 

This acquisition will allow Shentel to incorporate WideOpen Blacksburg’s existing gigabit fiber infrastructure, enhancing its local fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband coverage. Glo Fiber, which is owned and operated by Shentel, currently offers symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5 Gbps, and is deployed via the company’s 17,200-mile regional fiber network. 

WideOpen Blacksburg began offering high-speed fiber internet services in 2017. Its president, Dr. Andrew Cohill, expressed optimism about the transition, stating, “I am confident that Glo Fiber is going to provide outstanding customer service and great fiber-delivered Internet to our customers. We anticipate a smooth transition to Glo Fiber starting in July.” 

Commenting on the agreement, Shentel’s Chief Operating Officer Ed McKay said, “We are excited to invest in and build upon the outstanding broadband service that the WideOpen Blacksburg team has been providing. Their gigabit fiber network is a perfect fit for Glo Fiber’s continued expansion.” 

Glo Fiber’s offering includes residential and business broadband, phone services, video streaming solutions, and Whole Home Wi-Fi. The platform relies on XGS-PON 10 Gbps technology, enabling low-latency performance and symmetrical upload/download speeds. The company currently serves approximately 363,000 homes and businesses across Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware. 

Shentel emphasized Glo Fiber’s key service features, including 100% fiber-to-the-home connectivity for high reliability, symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, no long-term contracts and straightforward pricing, and local support teams focused on responsive customer service. 

As Glo Fiber continues to scale its footprint in mid-sized and rural communities, the acquisition of WideOpen Blacksburg represents a strategic addition to its Virginia market presence. No changes have been announced regarding service pricing or terms following the transition.