Washington, D.C., — Competitive Carriers Association’s (CCA) 2026 Mobility & Connectivity Show (MCS) will host two days of keynotes and executive panels with industry leaders from Appalachian Wireless, Baker Tilly, Cellcom, C Spire, Ericsson, Nex-Tech Wireless, Oracle Infrastructure, and UNICO. Topics of discussion include the future and importance of regional carriers, 5G, and cybersecurity readiness and response. MCS will take place April 14-16 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for convening industry leaders and innovators to foster meaningful conversation within the telecommunications sphere, MCS has once again curated a roster of speakers who represent expertise and vision in the field. On Wednesday, April 15, CCA President and CEO Tim Donovan will open the keynote program at 8:45 am ET, followed by the Fierce Network Executive Panel entitled, “The Future of Connectivity: A Regional Carrier Reality Check,” at 9:00 am ET, which will be moderated by Linda Hardesty, Executive Editor and Chief Analyst, Communications Technologies, Fierce Network. Panelists include: Mike Johnson, CEO, Appalachian Wireless Aaron Gillespie, COO, Nex-Tech Wireless Brian Jones, SVP & Chief Treasury Officer, C Spire Following the Fierce panel, Peter Linder, Head of Thought Leadership, Ericsson Americas, will deliver remarks at 9:50 am, “When Moments Matter: Elevating 5G with Differentiated Connectivity.” On Thursday, April 16, the keynote program will begin at 9:15am and feature a keynote panel entitled, “Cyber Resilience for Mobile Networks: Leadership Lessons on Readiness, Response, and Recovery.” It will be moderated by Chad Duval, Principal, Baker Tilly, Broadband, Utilities & Communications Consulting Practice. Panelists include: Chris Danielson, VP, Risk Advisor, UNICO Ken Kaminski, Director of Cybersecurity – Regional Carriers, Ericsson Americas Brighid Riordan, CEO, Nsight Travis Russell, Infrastructure Cybersecurity Office, Oracle Infrastructure “I’m delighted to welcome such a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers to this year’s Mobility & Connectivity Show,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. “The telecommunications space is incredibly interesting right now, and regional carriers have much to offer. I’m excited to hear from carrier executives about their decision-making processes, what they do to compete against the national carriers, and how we can all be best prepared to defend our companies against cyber-attacks.” About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem. CCA’s 2026 Mobility & Connectivity Show takes place April 14-16 in Louisville, Kentucky. CCA’s 2026 Annual Convention will take place September 14-16 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit ccamobile.org and on X, @CCAMobile and #MCS2026.

Washington, D.C. – Today, CCA sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth urging the NTIA to allow states to use remaining BEAD funds for wireless and mobility projects to complement approved BEAD fixed deployments and more fully connect rural America. The letter highlights how targeted investments in mobile infrastructure build upon other BEAD deployments and can help states significantly reduce dead zones in rural areas, advancing the program’s core goal of connecting all Americans. “Americans need connectivity that works everywhere they live, work, and travel, not just at home,” said CCA President and CEO Tim Donovan. “Additional wireless infrastructure can extend the reach of BEAD deployments and help eliminate coverage gaps. Allowing states to use remaining BEAD funds for wireless connectivity will support public safety, American AI leadership, manufacturing, telehealth, and precision agriculture, maximizing the benefits for millions of Americans. For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org. ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.

Event Features Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) as keynote speakers

Washington, D.C., – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement regarding the upcoming reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority Act: “CCA commends the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on today’s legislative hearing evaluating FirstNet and for considering proactive bipartisan legislation to reauthorize FirstNet. The action is an important step in addressing needed transparency and accountability for FirstNet.” “In reauthorizing FirstNet, CCA supports robust oversight, a clear focus on how best to serve the needs of public safety, expanded rural coverage and partnership opportunities for rural carriers, and true interoperability that promotes resiliency and a competitive market for public safety communications. CCA appreciates the Subcommittee’s timely and thoughtful work on these important issues and its engagement with a broad range of stakeholders as this process moves forward.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org. ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.

Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA filed comments in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) IP Interconnection proceeding yesterday. The FCC is proposing to forbear from sections of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that support interconnection and collocation for competitive providers in hopes of facilitating the country’s transition to IP. CCA’s comments emphasize the importance of wholesale competition to the FCC’s consideration and ongoing anticompetitive conduct from legacy incumbent local exchange carriers surrounding competitive interconnection. CCA members want to interconnect in IP and are being thwarted from efficiently doing so. CCA proposes a glide path the FCC can use as a basis for successfully and completely transitioning to IP in the United States – ensuring connectivity, competition, and innovation. Getting IP interconnection right – from the transition from TDM through fair and competitive rules of the road in an all-IP world – is one of the most important issues CCA members will face in 2026.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org . ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.

Washington, D.C., – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the ‘Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act’ or the ‘SUCCESS for BEAD Act.’ Prioritizing investment of ‘non-deployment’ funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile and fixed wireless connectivity will complement and enhance current investments from the BEAD program and ensure maximum impact toward closing the digital divide.” “Directing the remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks is the fastest and most effective way to progress ubiquitous connectivity – especially in rural America, where these networks are an important part of the path to meaningful broadband access. Strengthening and improving these networks expands opportunities to access education, telehealth, commerce, and public safety as well as cutting-edge technologies including AI and precision agriculture in the communities that need them most. Congress appropriated these funds specifically to expand connectivity and putting them to work expanding and enhancing wireless networks, as well as by providing support for critical workforce personnel and ensuring accountability with resources for data mapping policies, stays true to BEAD’s original goals.” “ I thank Senators Wicker and Capito for their leadership and urge Congress to advance this legislation.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org. ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.

Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement regarding the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology’s markup of broadband permitting legislation: “CCA applauds the Subcommittee’s efforts to advance legislation that would greatly improve the permitting landscape for broadband projects. Streamlining permitting requirements will decrease the arduous challenges faced by small and rural providers looking to build and deploy broadband infrastructure. Increased certainty will incentivize growth and unleash network innovation while speeding up deployment. Congress must act now to ensure that current federal permitting processes do not delay or altogether prohibit broadband deployment particularly in rural, high-cost, unserved, or underserved areas, and that federal siting and permitting policies help deliver ubiquitous broadband service across the country.” ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.

Washington, D.C., – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA commends the introduction of the Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act to help remove barriers to broadband deployment. Excessive delays, arbitrary fees, and increased costs surrounding broadband deployments around and across rail lines have long presented significant obstacles for CCA members working to close the digital divide in rural and underserved areas. The RAIL Act brings greater certainty to an otherwise inconsistent process, providing needed reforms to cut through challenges that frustrate the building, expansion, and maintenance of America’s mobile and fixed broadband networks. CCA urges Congress to move this important legislation forward.” 

Washington D.C. - CCA, alongside INCOMPAS, NCTA, and NTCA, met with the FCC to discuss the draft Advancing IP Interconnection NPRM slated for the FCC’s October Open Meeting. The associations urged the Commission to ensure a careful IP transition that protects existing interconnection arrangements, avoids service disruptions, and builds a robust record before changing key voice network rules. The associations also emphasized the ongoing need for FCC involvement to preserve consumer protection and a fair competitive landscape both now and in an all-IP environment. Read the associations' joint Ex Parte here .