<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT 10.16
 
                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made and entered into 
effective as of the 15th day of August, 1996 by and between COMMUNICATIONS 
CENTRAL INC., a Georgia corporation (the "Company") and ROBERT BOWLING, a 
Georgia resident (the "Optionee").

                             W I T N E S S E T H:
                             - - - - - - - - - -

     WHEREAS, the Company has adopted a stock option plan known as the 
Communications Central Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, which Plan was amended and 
restated as of October 11, 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan"), which 
Plan has the purpose of advancing the interests of the Company and its 
shareholders by strengthening the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to
attract and retain officers and key employees with training, experience and 
ability, and to furnish an additional incentive to those officers and key 
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries upon whose judgement, initiative 
and efforts the successful conduct and growth of its and their business largely 
depend, by encouraging officers and key employees to have a material interest in
the increase in value of, and to become owners or increase their ownership of, 
the Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company (the "Common Stock"); and

     WHEREAS, Optionee is an officer or key employee of the Company or its 
subsidiaries, and the Company desires to have Optionee remain as an officer or 
key employee and to afford Optionee the opportunity to acquire or enlarge 
Optionee's stock ownership in the Company, so that Optionee may have a direct 
proprietary interest in the Company's success.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and 
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as 
follows:

     1.   Grant of Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth 
          ---------------
herein, the Company grants to Optionee a stock option (the "Option") to purchase
from the Company all or any part of 15,000 shares of Common Stock (the 
"Shares"). The Option shall be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 
422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

2.   Term and Exercise of Option; Vesting.
     ------------------------------------

          (a)  The term of the Option granted herein shall commence as of the 
     date of this Agreement and end on August 15, 2006 (the "Option Period").
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS OPTION AND ANY SHARES ACQUIRED UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS OPTION MAY NOT 
HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER ANY STATE 
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS. NEITHER THIS OPTION NOR ANY OF SUCH SHARES MAY BE 
SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF 
REGISTRATION UNDER SAID ACT AND UNDER THE APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE 
SKY LAWS OR EXEMPTIONS FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  The Option to purchase the Shares shall vest over a three (3) year 
period according to the following schedule:

          33 1/3% beginning on August 15, 1997
          33 1/3% beginning on August 15, 1998
          33 1/3% beginning on August 15, 1999

     (c)  Optionee shall not be entitled to exercise any portion of the Option 
which is not fully vested in accordance with the schedule set forth in Paragraph
2(b) above as of the date that Optionee's employment with the Company or any of 
its subsidiaries is terminated, whether by the Company for cause, not for cause,
or otherwise, or whether by Optionee.

     (d)  Notwithstanding the vesting schedule set forth in Paragraph 2(b) 
above, but subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2(c) hereof, Option shall 
automatically vest and become exercisable in its entirety upon the occurrence of
the events which make the option immediately exercisable in full under the terms
of the Plan.

     (e)  Any portion of the Option that is exercisable that is not exercised in
a year may be exercised in any subsequent year during the Option Period.

     (f)  Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2(b) above, the Option hereby 
granted shall be exercised by Optionee delivering to the Board of Directors of 
the Company, from time to time, on any business day, written notice specifying 
the number of Shares Optionee then desires to purchase and reaffirming that the 
representations made in Paragraph 7 hereof are true and correct as of the date 
of exercising the Option. A copy of the form of written notice to be used is 
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

3.   Option Price.
     ------------

     (a)  Optionee shall pay $6.125 per share (subject to adjustment pursuant 
to Paragraph 6 hereof) for the Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement.

     (b)  Payment of the option price of the Shares shall be made in cash at the
time an option is exercised, or through the use of a cashless exercise option, 
or upon such other terms and conditions as may be mutually agreeable to the 
Company and Optionee.

     (c)  To the extent that Shares are used in making full or partial payment 
of the option price, the Shares will be valued at the fair market value thereof 
on the date of exercise, determined by the Company's Board of Directors.

                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
     4.   Termination of Option.
          ---------------------

          (a)  Except as otherwise provided below, the Option hereby granted 
     shall terminate and be of no force or effect upon the happening of the
     first of the following events:

               (i)    The expiration of the Option Period;

               (ii)   Three (3) months after the effective date of termination 
          of Optionee's employment or position as an officer or key employee of
          the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, except in the case of
          Optionee's death or total and permanent disability.

               (iii)  If Optionee ceases to be a key employee or officer of the 
          Company or any subsidiary of the Company by reason of death or if
          Optionee dies within three (3) months of retirement with the consent
          of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, or if Optionee
          becomes permanently and totally disabled, any unexpired portion of the
          Option held by Optionee and not exercised may be exercised by a
          legatee or legatees under Optionee's last will and testament or by his
          personal representative or representatives (to the extent the option
          would have been exercisable by Optionee as of the date of Optionee's
          death or date that Optionee became totally and permanently disabled,
          as the case may be) at any time within one (1) year after the date of
          Optionee's death or the date of Optionee's retirement with consent,
          whichever occurs first, or the date that Optionee became totally and
          permanently disabled.

          (b)  The Option evidenced hereby is nontransferable except as provided
     in Paragraph 4(a)(iii) above with respect to the death of Optionee and
     shall be exercisable during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee.

     5.   Rights As a Shareholder. Optionee shall have no rights as a 
          -----------------------
shareholder of the Company with respect to any Shares covered by this Option 
until the issuance of a stock certificate to him for such Shares.

     6.   Change in Capitalization.
          ------------------------

          (a)  As provided in the second and third subparagraphs of Paragraph 3 
     of the Plan, and upon the occurrence of any of the conditions listed
     therein, the Committee in its sole discretion shall make any adjustments as
     may be appropriate in the number and kind of Shares as to which this Option
     shall be exercisable and in the option rights granted. These adjustments
     shall be made without change in the total price applicable to the Option
     and with a corresponding adjustment in the option price per Share. Any
     adjustment may provide for the elimination of fractional Shares.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  As provided in the fifth subparagraph of Paragraph 3 of the Plan,
     upon the occurrence of any of the conditions listed therein, this Option
     shall be immediately exercisable in accordance with that subparagraph,
     subject to the limitations imposed thereunder and under this Section.

     7.   Investment Representations.  The Optionee hereby represents and 
          --------------------------
warrants to the Company as follows:

          (a)  Access to Information.  Because of the Optionee's business 
               ---------------------
     relationship with the Company and with the management of the Company,
     Optionee has had access to all material and relevant information concerning
     the Company, thereby enabling the Optionee to make an informed investment
     decision with respect to his investment in the Company, and all data
     requested by the Optionee from the Company or its representatives
     concerning the business and financial condition of the Company and the
     terms and conditions of the Option granted to him has been furnished. The
     Optionee acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to ask questions of
     and receive answers from, and to obtain additional information from, the
     Company or its representatives concerning the present and proposed business
     and financial condition of the Company.

          (b)  Financial Sophistication.  The Optionee is knowledgeable and 
               ------------------------
     sophisticated in business and financial matters, such that he is capable of
     weighing the merits and risks of investing in the Shares.

          (c)  Understanding of Investment Risks.  The Optionee understands 
               ---------------------------------
     that:

               (i)    An investment in the Shares represents a highly 
          speculative investment, and there can be no assurance as to the
          success of the Company in its business;

               (ii)   There will be possible future dilution in the net tangible
          book value per share compared to the per share option price;

               (iii)  The option price should not be considered an indication of
          the actual value of the Shares issuable upon exercise.

          (d)  Understanding of Nature of Shares.  The Optionee understands 
               ---------------------------------
     that:

               (i)    The Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may not 
          yet have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
          (the "Act"), or any state securities laws and will not be issued and
          sold in reliance upon certain of the exemptions contained in the Act
          under applicable state securities laws, and that the representations
          and warranties of the Optionee contained herein, which will have

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          to be renewed as to the Shares at the time(s) of exercise of the
          Option, are essential to any claim of exemption by the Company under
          said Act and such state securities laws;

               (ii)   The Shares may be "restricted securities," as that term is
          defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Act or otherwise subject to
          the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act;

               (iii)  This Option cannot be exercised and the Shares will not be
          sold to the Optionee and the Optionee cannot resell or transfer the
          Shares without registration under the Act and applicable state
          securities laws or unless the Company receives an opinion of counsel
          acceptable to it (as to both counsel and the opinion) that such
          registration is not necessary;

               (iv)   The Shares and any certificates issued in replacement
          therefor, shall bear the following legend, in addition to any other
          legend required by law or otherwise deemed applicable by the Company:

               "The Shares represented by this certificate have not been
          registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") or applicable
          state securities laws and may not be sold, transferred or otherwise
          disposed of unless a registration statement under the Act and
          applicable state securities laws with respect to such Shares has
          become effective or unless the Company is in receipt of an opinion of
          counsel satisfactory to it to the effect that such Shares may be sold
          without registration under the Act and applicable state securities
          laws."

               (v)    Only the Company can register the Shares under the Act and
          applicable state securities laws;

               (vi)   Except as otherwise herein set forth, the Company has not
          made any representations to the Optionee that the Company will
          register the Shares under the Act or any applicable state securities
          laws, or with respect to compliance with any exemption therefrom;

               (vii)  There are stringent conditions for Optionee obtaining an
          exemption for the resale of the Shares under the Act and any
          applicable state securities laws; and

               (viii) The Company may, from time to time, make stop transfer
          notations in its transfer records to ensure compliance with the Act,
          any applicable state securities laws, and any additional restrictions
          agreed to with or imposed by the Company's institutional lenders, and
          state securities administrators.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          (e)  Investment Intent.  The Optionee represents and warrants that:
               -----------------

               (i)    He is acquiring the Option for his own account and not on 
          behalf of any other person;

               (ii)   He is acquiring the Option for investment and not with a 
          view to distribution or with the intent to divide his participation
          with others by reselling or otherwise distributing the Shares;

               (iii)  Neither the Optionee nor anyone acting on his behalf has 
          paid or will pay any commission or other remuneration to any person in
          connection with the acquisition of the Option or the Shares.

          (f)  Optionee understands at the time of exercise of this Option at 
     the request of the Company he will have to make all the representations and
     warranties contained in this Paragraph 7 as if applicable to the Shares to
     be issued as a condition of their issuance by the Company.

     8.   Compliance with Securities Laws.  Anything in this Agreement to the 
          -------------------------------
contrary notwithstanding, if, at any time specified herein for the issuance of 
Shares to Optionee, any Federal or state securities law or any regulation or 
requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental 
authority having jurisdiction shall require either the Company or Optionee to 
take any action in connection with the Shares then to be issued, the issuance of
the Shares shall be deferred until that action shall have been taken; however, 
the Company shall be under no obligation to take action, and the Company shall 
have no liability whatsoever as a result of the nonissuance of the Shares, 
except to refund to Optionee any consideration tendered in respect of the option
price.

     9.   Notices.  Any notice which either party hereto may be required or 
          -------
permitted to give to the other shall be in writing, and may be delivered 
personally or by mail, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt 
requested, addressed as follows: to the President of the Company, or to the 
Company (attention of the President), at 1150 Northmeadow Parkway, Suite 118, 
Roswell, Georgia 30076, or at any other address as the Company, by notice to 
Optionee, may designate in writing from time to time; to Optionee, at Optionee's
address as shown on the records of the Company, or at any other address as 
Optionee, by notice to the Company, may designate in writing from time to time.

     10.  Compliance with Section 422 of the Code.  Anything to the contrary 
          ---------------------------------------
notwithstanding, the Incentive Option granted hereunder may not be exercised in 
any manner which would cause the Incentive Option not to qualify as an incentive
stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     11.  Successors.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the 
          ----------
benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns of
the parties.

     12.  Severability.  In the event that any one or more of the provisions or 
          ------------
portion thereof contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be 
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the same shall not invalidate 
or otherwise affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement 
shall be construed as if the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or 
portion thereof had never been contained herein.

     13.  Entire Agreement.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, 
          ----------------
which is incorporated herein by reference, this Agreement expresses the entire 
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto.  This Agreement may be 
executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     14.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in 
          -------------
accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia in all respects.


                        [SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
                                       
                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and sealed this Agreement on 
the date and year set forth above.


                         `             COMPANY:
                                        
                                       COMMUNICATIONS CENTRAL INC. 

    
                                       BY: /S/ Rodger L. Johnson   
                                           -----------------------------
                                           RODGER L. JOHNSON    
                                           PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
           
                                       OPTIONEE:

                                           /S/ Robert Bowling      
                                       -------------------------------(SEAL)
                                       ROBERT BOWLING     

                                      -8-

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"

                          COMMUNICATIONS CENTRAL INC.

                          FORM OF EXERCISE OF OPTION
                          --------------------------


Communications Central Inc.
1150 Northmeadow Parkway
Suite 118
Roswell, Georgia 30076

Gentlemen:

         Referring to the Stock Option Agreement dated July 11, 1996 between 
Communications Central Inc. (the "Company") and the undersigned, granting to me 
the right to purchase a total of 10,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, 
of the Company at an option price of $6.125 per share, I hereby exercise my 
right to purchase pursuant to said Agreement __________ shares at said price and
deliver to you herewith cash, or check payable to the Company, in the total 
amount of $__________, representing the full purchase price of said shares. If I
have not delivered cash or a check payable to the Company with this notice, I 
hereby request that the Company withhold the number of shares that have an
aggregate value equal to the aggregate option price of the number of shares for
which this notice is given from the number of shares issued to me.

          Date:_________________                 

                                                 Signature_____________________
                                                 
                                                 Name__________________________
                            
                                                 Address:______________________
                                                
                                                 Social Security No.:__________

                                      -9-