On February 12, 2024, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors approved changes to contracts with internet service providers Shentel and ZiTel. This is part of the county’s effort to provide high-speed internet to its residents. The changes, still awaiting approval from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, involve transferring 1,530 addresses from Shentel to ZiTel. These addresses are in Montvale, Thaxton, Penicks Mill, Kelso Mill, and northern Huddleston.
The County is working with the providers to inform the affected addresses about the changes. John Putney, Bedford County Broadband Manager, commended the Board of Supervisors for their commitment to improving internet connectivity in the county. He also appreciated Shentel’s flexibility in adjusting their project plans, which will benefit the residents.
In 2022, Bedford County signed contracts with ZiTel, Shentel, and RiverStreet Networks. These contracts, subsidized by the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative grant, aimed to expand broadband in the county. ZiTel planned to finish its project in early 2024, while Shentel and RiverStreet Networks aimed for completion in September 2024 and 2025 respectively.