A survey by the Iowa Utilities Board finds more local phone companies have sprouted up in Iowa. Rob Hillesland , a spokesman for the board, says they rose from 59 in 2003 to 75 in 2005. Hillesland says newcomers to the market increased their customers by 19-percent.
Hillesland says increased competition helps Iowans. He says it gives more options for customers depending on their locale in the state. Hillesland says some of the networks have created new facilities and that’s where customers get the most choice.
Hillesland says a national survey shows that wireless phone companies now have as many customers as the old-fashioned wired service. He says that also is likely helping customers by increasing competition. Hillesland says they don’t have specific data, but he says it’s fair to assume that many people are dropping their wire service for wireless. Hillesland says there’s also some competition from internet and cable phone services now too.