Sidney was served by various telephone companies and at times had more than one in service at the same time.  The Central Union Telephone Company was the first authorized by an ordinance passed in August 1892.  This was followed by the Ohio Telephone and Telegraph Co. (a Bell Co. operation); the Sidney Telephone Co.; and the Farmers' Telephone Co.  in 1920 the Sidney Telephone Co. was the only one remaining, having bought out the others.
        Each telephone company that came to town put in its own poles, wires, plant, office and switchboard.  A residence usually subscribed to just one company and neighbors might each subscribe to different companies.  A business place might subscribe to two companies and have a phone for each one.  The advertisements would then list both phone numbers for that business.
        The long distance company (with its own poles & wires) came to Sidney January 9, 1895, the only long distance phone being located in the telephone office.
        The first telephone operators were men but were soon replaced with women "who are steadier, do not drink beer and are always on hand".  In October 1895 the newspaper reported that for several months an electric signal light had been on the courthouse steeple.  "Anyone with a telephone can call Central and the telephone operator immediatly throws on the light.  The police keep a close tab on that signal.  When it comes on they call Central and are immediately informed where police protection is needed."
        in May 1898 the Auditor's office was the only office on the first floor courthouse to have a phone.  Electric bells were installed in the other first floor offices "to facilitate the calling of other officials when they are wanted on the phone".
        During the mid & late 1890s plans were being made to get telephone service to the other towns in  Shelby County.
        The first phone booth in Sidney was built by William Shine and put in his cigar store to provide privacy for his customers using the phone.  This wa done in February 1898 and four days later the phone company installed phone booths in the Wagner House and the Florentine hotels.
        A Central Union Telephone Company Directory of 1909 was for three towns: Piqua, Troy, & Sidney.  Sidney had listings for 51 businesses; 25 residences; 2 doctors & 3 public pay stations.
        A business publication of 1909 had advertisements for 33 businesses.  Three of them listed one phone number and one listed two numbers.  The earliest phone numbers were of two or three digits.  In June of 1918 the 2-party lines were full & were being changed to 4-party lines.  In December 1918 eleven operators were absent with the influenza and only emergency calls were being accepted.