Two phone companies near the Quad Cities want to join forces. This week, Central Scott Telephone, based in Eldridge, announced it's going to buy the Dixon Telephone Company.
Central Scott ceo and general manager, Donn Wilmott, says nowadays size and scale really matter in his industry, so it makes sense for two small companies next to each other, to combine.
Both companies serve customers in northern Scott County - about 4,000 homes for Central Scott and 700 for Dixon Telephone.
Wilmott says directors of both companies have approved the deal, and next, Dixon shareholders will vote on August 17th. Approvals are still needed from the Iowa Utilities Board and the Federal Communications Commission.
And he thinks the purchase could close as soon as September 30th.