Charlotte, NC, November 29: RBJ Corporation has sold its Holway Telephone, KLM Telephone and affiliated operations serving more than 2,000 local exchange customers in Missouri to the American Broadband family of companies, whose affiliated operations serve 31,000 rural telecommunications, video and Internet customers in eight states.
“We are proud that the Copsey’s have entrusted the future of their business to the American Broadband team,” said William Bradford, Vice President of Corporate Development. “They have worked hard over many years to build this business and we hope to continue that legacy for many years to come.”
The Copsey family has been committed to the rural telephone business for more than a half century. Jane and Evan Copsey founded RBJ Corporation in 1988.
“We have exciting plans for growth and are very pleased that Bruce Copsey has agreed to continue to run the operation,” said Patrick Eudy, president and chief executive officer, American Broadband. “The customers served by Holway and KLM will continue to receive the high level of service and commitment to network innovation that they rely on today.”
As the first step to achieving this goal, American Broadband has announced that the company will be installing a new switching platform prior to the end of the year in order to bring the latest features and services to the customers of Holway and KLM.
“My father Evan Copsey started in the phone business in 1955. He has seen huge changes in the industry, especially during the past several years. He served on many state and national organizations and boards to ensure that rural phone companies could provide the latest technologies and services to our customers,” said Bruce Copsey, Vice President and General Manager.
“We believe that American Broadband gives us the best opportunity to allow these commitments to the customers to continue,” he said. “They have already agreed to make significant investments in new central office switches and outside plant additions. We are looking forward to working with the family of American Broadband companies and all of the expertise they bring in today’s marketplace.”
Holway Telephone is located in Maitland, Missouri and KLM Telephone is located in Rich Hill, Missouri. The companies are the incumbent local exchange carriers in their respective regions and provide a full suite of voice, video and data services to more than 2,000 customers in six exchanges covering approximately 453 square miles.
About American Broadband:
American Broadband Communications LLC acquires and operates local exchange carriers and related businesses in rural markets nationwide. The company’s strategy is distinguished by a long-term focus on growth in rural America. By investing in its telecommunications network, local employees and management, and community organizations, American Broadband ensures continued customer service satisfaction and works to realize the growth potential of its markets. The company and its affiliated operations now serves more than 31,000 customers in Colorado, Georgia, Nebraska, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri.
