08 Oct, 2024
Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement regarding the keynote presentation made by CCA Board Member Slayton Stewart at MWC-Las Vegas 2024 today: “I commend Slayton Stewart, CEO of Carolina West Wireless and long-time CCA Board Member, for highlighting the critical need for federal policies to preserve wireless service in rural areas. Federal programs, like the Universal Service Fund, are essential to maintaining services in areas where carriers like Carolina West Wireless face unique challenges due to difficult terrain, low population density, and limited revenue streams. As roaming revenues have decreased across the industry, many rural towers built with Universal Service Fund support are at risk of being decommissioned, cutting off vital connectivity for residents and compromising public safety. Support for operating expenses for existing wireless infrastructure is critical to ensuring rural communities remain connected, and this includes making sure the 5G Fund and other Universal Service Fund programs provide resources to preserve as well as expand wireless connectivity. CCA's rural and regional carriers are committed to serving these areas, but sustained government investment is crucial to bridging the digital divide and supporting economic development in rural America.” 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.