Williamsburg City Council Approves Franchise Agreement to Bring Fiber Network to the City

Internet, television, and phone service competition is coming to the City of Williamsburg.

City Council voted unanimously to approve a franchise agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television LLC, also referred to as Shentel, to provide broadband service in the City. Currently, Cox Communications is the only broadband provider within City limits.

Shentel will install a 100% fiber network, a type of broadband that is not currently available in the City, that will offer internet, television, and phone service. Fiber-optic technology allows data to be sent at faster speeds than other types of broadband connections.

Construction will begin in about 9 to 12 months; installation will continue for about two years. The infrastructure is built in a way that allows for future upgrades to multi-gigabit speeds. 

The franchise agreement with Shentel is for 10 years, with one five-year extension. There is no financial cost to the City. 

“Offering competition for internet, television, and phone service is good for our residents and businesses,” Mayor Douglas Pons said. “High-speed internet has become a necessary utility. With more than one option, consumers should see lower costs for their broadband service in the near future.”