Shady Cove Welcomes Fiber Internet

Shady Cove celebrates a new era of connectivity with fiber internet expansion, and on May 28, 2025, the community marked this exciting milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony full of energy, pride, and progress.

A Big Step Forward for Rural Connectivity

Residents, local leaders, business owners, and state officials gathered outside City Hall for a ribbon cutting hosted in partnership with the Eagle Point & Upper Rogue Chamber of Commerce, celebrating a long-awaited step forward in connectivity.

Reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From remote work and online classes to telehealth and streaming, the need for fast, dependable internet has never been greater. Hunter’s fiber expansion ensures that the residents and businesses of Shady Cove now have access to the tools they need to stay connected and competitive.

Backed by state and federal investment, Hunter Communications is working to close the digital divide in rural communities. In addition to the Broadband Deployment Program funding from Oregon, the company previously received $19.2 million through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to deliver full fiber networks capable of up to 2.5 gigabit speeds across Oregon.

Community Leaders Share Their Excitement

Local leaders and partners came together to speak about the importance of this achievement:

Community Voices Celebrate the Moment

“Communications, like what Hunter offers, are vital to all of our communities for the well-being, health, and happiness of our residents. This is very significant, very important, and certainly very welcome.”

– Jay O’Neil, Vice President, Eagle Point & Upper Rogue Chamber of Commerce

The event featured remarks from key local and state leaders, including Mayor John Ball, Hunter Communications CEO Michael Wynschenk, and Seth Thompson, Broadband Project Coordinator from the Oregon Broadband Office. Each speaker emphasized the long-term benefits of fiber expansion and what it means for Shady Cove’s future.

“I think Hunter is going to bring high-quality service that is very economical, and we as a city are really looking forward to this.”

– John Ball, Mayor of Shady Cove

“Hunter Communications, with the State of Oregon, is going to provide Shady Cove with better internet than most of the communities in the Pacific Northwest.  If you’re a gamer, if you work from home, if you stream live TV, if you video chat with your grandchildren or if you just want a better, affordable and reliable connection, we have a package that meets your needs.”

– Michael Wynschenk, CEO, Hunter Communications

“The Oregon Broadband Office looks forward to our continued partnership with Hunter Communications to provide high-speed, reliable broadband access to the residents of Shady Cove.”

– Seth Thompson, Broadband Project Coordinator, Oregon Broadband Office

Beyond Speeds—A Celebration of Progress

Attendees enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere complete with refreshments, networking, and the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The event symbolized more than just the arrival of fiber, it was a moment of community pride and partnership.

Hunter Communications is committed to helping Oregon communities thrive by closing the digital divide and providing infrastructure that supports education, business, and everyday life. With every foot of fiber installed, we’re connecting people not only to the internet, but to opportunity.

A Big Step Forward: Shady Cove Welcomes Fiber Internet with Ribbon Cutting Celebration is more than an event, it’s a turning point that will empower the city for generations to come.

What’s Next?

With the network under construction, residents are encouraged to take the next step in bringing fiber into their homes or businesses.

Better connections start here. Check if fiber is available at your address.