Manilla Telephone Company History

This history is still being compiled, so only the last decade is available at this time.

Manilla Telephone Company was purchased by the Defiance Telephone Company in 1991.

In 1992 a used Northern Telecom Digital Switching System was purchased and put in service. This provided call waiting and many other modern features, replacing the aging mechanical dial system. A backup generator was already in place to provide emergency power.

Around that time a consortium of small Iowa Telephone Companies got together to create Iowa Network Services to provide equal access to other Long Distance providers. Soon, local Internet access was also available via INS. Thanks to them, you are reading this now!

Another Nortel Switching system was purchased and installed in 1999, providing Caller ID and many other enhancements. The basic rate for telephone service starts at about $10 for a residential line. What the next millenium will provide remains to be seen.

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