Louisville, Kentucky – The main stage program at Competitive Carriers Association’s Mobility & Connectivity Show (MCS) opened this morning, welcoming communications service providers and industry stakeholders whose innovations, technologies, and visionary insights are shaping the future of the industry. MCS takes place April 14-16 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky.

In opening remarks, CCA’s President & CEO Tim Donovan addressed the ever-constant piece of the industry – change. The communications service provider industry has faced rapid change over the past decade, and Donovan stressed CCA’s important work not only for the carriers, but also for vendors and stakeholders that contribute to the competitive carrier ecosystem. Donovan noted that the association’s, “collective voice, combined with CCA’s trusted and dedicated staff, has resulted in significant – and even business-saving – wins for CCA members over the years…interoperability in the 700 MHz band, ending handset exclusivity, broadband data mapping, billions of dollars in USF support for CCA members, full funding of the Rip and Replace program, handset unlocking, and more.” 

With many issues at play including the future of USF, the next chapter of the BEAD program, infrastructure and siting rules, spectrum policies that promote competition, and completion of Rip and Replace projects, Donovan stated that CCA is ready for the advocacy fight. Donovan said, “We have been here before. Competitive carriers have been underestimated, and we have proven what is possible when we stand together. Not because we were the biggest or spent the most on DC lobbying, but because of the authenticity you have in your communities.”

Following Donovan’s remarks, media partner Fierce Network hosted an executive panel titled, “The Future of Connectivity: A Regional Carrier Reality Check,” which explored the evolving landscape facing regional carriers. Speakers included panel moderator Linda Hardesty, Executive Editor and Chief Analyst, Fierce Network; Aaron Gillespie, COO, Nex-Tech Wireless; Mike Johnson, CEO, Appalachian Wireless; and Brian Jones, SVP & Chief Treasury Officer, C Spire.

“I appreciate our keynote panel sharing their insights and perspectives from the regional carrier point of view,” said Tim Donovan. "MCS is the ideal venue for having meaningful discussions on these issues and other key topics for competitive carriers, and it is extremely important to hear directly from those ‘on the playing field.’”

Closing out today’s keynote program was Peter Linder, Head of Thought Leadership at Ericsson Americas, and his discussion on elevating 5G with differentiated connectivity.

Thursday, April 16 keynotes include:

• 9:15 am ET – Keynote Panel: Cyber Resilience for Mobile Networks: Leadership Lessons on Readiness, Response, and Recovery
• 10:00 am ET – CCA’s Excellence in Marketing Awards Presentation

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.