EDINBURG, VA, (March 1, 2006) – Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel; NASDAQ: SHEN) announced a new milestone today with the news that 100 percent of its local exchange subscribers have access to high-speed broadband service. Shentel’s service area is in the northwestern part of Virginia, predominantly in Shenandoah County, but also includes the company’s most rural exchange in the Bergton area of northern Rockingham County.

The growing demand for high-speed broadband access is evidenced by Shentel’s double-digit growth in DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) services. The number of DSL subscribers grew by 82 percent during 2005.

Shentel President Christopher E. French said, “As a long-time provider of telecommunications services throughout the region, Shentel is proud to offer residents an array of services that are usually only found in more densely populated urban areas. We can provide DSL to every one of our local exchange customers, which is something very few telephone companies can offer to their customers today. We have worked diligently throughout 2005 to reach this goal, and we look forward to continuing to meet the expanding needs for advanced telecommunications services in the region.”

Susie Hill, Director of Economic Development for Shenandoah County, said, “We consider Shentel’s newest milestone to be a tremendous opportunity for the county. Shentel is making it possible for residents to live in a beautiful rural area and have access to broadband communications technologies that are typically only found in major metropolitan areas. Shentel is an important partner in the economic development of the region, and we appreciate the key position that this progressive company holds.”

Joe Paxton, Rockingham County Administrator, said, “When it comes to bringing business to this area, having access to high-speed Internet is absolutely critical from an economic development standpoint. However, it’s also a quality of life advantage for our residents – especially those who live in a more rural area and want to telecommute.”

Shentel has approximately 25,000 access lines in its local exchange area.

About Shenandoah Telecommunications

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company is a holding company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of telecommunications products and services through its operating subsidiaries. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "SHEN." The Company's operating subsidiaries provide local and long distance telephone, internet and data services, cable television, wireless voice and data services, alarm monitoring, and telecommunications equipment, along with many other associated solutions in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.