CenturyTel is in the process of merging with another national communications service.
The merger with EMBARQ, which currently provides communication services in 18 states, will result in a new company and new name: CenturyLink.
Kim Valiquette, manager of marketing communications for CenturyTel, said the company currently services 145,000 lines in the state, including the Gig Harbor and Key peninsulas.
CenturyTel offers voice, Internet and TV services in 25 states — mainly in small- to mid-sized cities. The pending merger would increase the service to 33 states.
The merger is pending FCC approval.
“We’ll still be working under the two names until later in the year,” Valiquette said. “Customers will be notified before they see a bill with a change in name.”
The two companies aren’t currently in direct competition.
The merger is a result of changes in the business and industry, Valiquette said. Similar philosophies made the merge possible, she added.
“The two companies have very similar cultures,” Valiquette said. “We are more in tune to the rural communities.”
CenturyTel representatives are excited about the merger.
“We feel like it’s going to be a good opportunity for us and the customer,” Valiquette said.
Brand deployment of CenturyLink is expected within the next few months, according to a joint news release.
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