New Orleans, LA – Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) today announced the winners of its 2026 Annual Achievement Awards onstage at the CCA Annual Convention. The awards recognize industry and community contributions from individuals, carriers, and associates in the communications service provider market. CCA’s Annual Convention takes place September 14 -16 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in Louisiana. “Congratulations to our 2026 award winners, whose accomplishments reflect an extraordinary commitment to our industry and the communities they serve,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. “I’m delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their outstanding work and contributions. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Maureen McCabe Moore for her dedicated service as Chair of CCA’s Board of Directors over the past two years and for all she has done to advance CCA and its members.” The 2026 Annual Achievement Award winners are as follows: Steven K. Berry Outstanding Achievement Award Luke Dillie, VP of Sales, Viaero Wireless Luke Dillie is recognized for his exceptional business acumen, willingness to lend a hand, and dedication to CCA and the industry. As co-chair of the Business Innovation Group and an active CCA contributor, Luke has helped recruit new members, shape educational sessions through the Events Committee, and support CCA’s mission. David Zylka, CTO, Carolina West Wireless David co-chairs the Business Innovation Group and is honored for his exceptional contributions to CCA and the industry. He co-leads the Carrier CTO Roundtable at CCA shows, contributes to advocacy discussions, and frequently speaks at CCA’s biannual events. Neko Hamlett Associate Member of the Year Award Bryan Darr, VP Government Affairs, Ookla Bryan and Ookla have worked tirelessly to enable Ookla data to be incorporated into the FCC’s National Broadband Map. Ookla’s app provides significantly more data than the FCC’s app. More accurate mapping will strengthen FCC programs, benefiting the CCA members, industry, and the customers they serve. Outstanding Service Award (Carrier) HTC HTC donated 35 cases of Girl Scout cookies to the Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina. Blue Star Mothers includes mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians with children who serve or have served in the military. HTC’s donation added a heartfelt touch to care packages that will reach far beyond the local community. Outstanding Service Award (Associate) Scott Donlea, Hemphill Tower & Power Scott is an active volunteer in his community, serving as a Special Olympics coach for football, powerlifting, and golf, as well as a Sunday School small group leader. He has also served with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Posse, as a nurse aide in the oncology suite at Alomere Hospital, and as a story time leader at Advance Training Center. Industry Innovation Award (Carrier) C Spire C Spire is being honored for its collaborative work with AWS to apply AI to network operations. Their partnership serves as a strong example of how carriers and technology providers can work together to drive meaningful innovation that benefits both operators and the communities they serve. Industry Innovation Award (Associate) Comfone Comfone is awarded for its Signal Tracing and Hawkeye Applications. These complimentary self-service applications empower operators with unprecedented visibility, control, and efficiency over their global roaming relationships. These tools have significantly reduced reliance on outside resources and allow a broader range of employees to troubleshoot issues, freeing highly trained resources to focus on more complex matters. Distinguished Leadership Award Maureen McCabe Moore, Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Maureen is honored for her leadership, guidance, and dedication to CCA during her tenure as Board Chair from 2024-2026. Maureen helped lead the association during some of its most significant advocacy wins, including a Universal Service Fund win at the Supreme Court and reinstatement of the FCC’s spectrum auction authority. She is a well-respected industry executive deserving of recognition. ### 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. In 2027, CCA’s Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Day will be held in Washington, DC February 9 & 10 and its 2027 Annual Convention will take place September 13-15 in Palm Springs, CA. Visit ccamobile.org and on Twitter/X, @CCAMobile #CCA2026.

Representative Troy Carter (D-LA) Sends Special Welcome Message New Orleans, LA, – Competitive Carriers Association’s 2026 Annual Convention (CCA 2026) keynote program opened today with remarks from President & CEO Tim Donovan and a special recorded message from Congressman Troy Carter. Representative Carter welcomed attendees to New Orleans and thanked Donovan and CCA for its work to keep communities connected. He stressed the importance of closing the digital divide to ensure all Americans can participate in today’s economy. In remarks, Donovan said, “The agenda for this year’s Convention focuses on the decisions that will shape the future for every company in this room…how to grow what works, identify what comes next, manage costs, protect customer relationships, and support the right policies.” Donovan continued, “When policymakers write rules based on assumptions of national scale or resources, regional carriers can be left without workable options. This is why CCA advocacy matters. We fight for accurate maps, sustainable economics, access to spectrum and infrastructure, reasonable permitting, competitive policies, and more.” Following Donovan’s remarks, Jeff Giard, Vice President, Business Development & Partnership at T-Mobile, discussed T-Mobile’s satellite joint venture with the nationwide carriers. Giard said, “The future isn't about choosing between terrestrial and satellite. It's about bringing them together to deliver a better experience for customers,” and he highlighted the significant opportunities ahead for rural America unlocked by these technologies. Rounding out the keynotes, ClearSky Technologies hosted a panel entitled, “The Burn on Bourbon Street,” challenging panelists to answer burning industry questions while eating increasingly spicy hot wings. Ron Willett, Vice President & GM of ClearSky Technologies, moderated the heated discussion with panelists Chip Damato, Business Development Director, ClearSky Technologies; Mark Lane, Director of Network Engineering & Operations, Cellular One of NE Arizona; Eric Woody, CEO, Union Wireless; and David Zylka, Chief Technology Officer, Carolina West Wireless. CCA’s Annual Convention hosts three days of networking and exhibits, along with keynotes and educational programs that address the latest innovations and business strategies that drive the communications service provider ecosystem. The exhibit floor showcases technology from major brands and first-time exhibitors including BROADRADIO International and GeoVaris. 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. In 2027, CCA’s Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Day will be held in Washington, DC February 9 & 10 and its 2027 Annual Convention will take place September 13-15 in Palm Springs, CA. Visit ccamobile.org and on Twitter/X, @CCAMobile #CCA2026.