Washington, D.C., – Yesterday, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) members from across the country convened in Washington, D.C. on February 11 for its annual advocacy fly-in event.

CCA’s Capitol Hill Day serves as an opportunity for rural, regional, and nationwide communication service provider industry leaders to bring their voices together to advocate for policies that will strengthen competition, promote innovation, and improve connectivity nationwide.

CCA was pleased to welcome leading Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) as keynote speakers. Dozens of CCA members attended the event, meeting directly with lawmakers to express support for the following key policy priorities:

Universal Service Fund (USF): CCA urges Congress to preserve the Universal Service Fund, which is crucial for maintaining and expanding networks in high-cost, hard-to-serve areas. Members advocated for comprehensive USF reform, including an expanded funding base and operational support to sustain connectivity. CCA also emphasizes the need for more accurate mobile maps, and 5G service thresholds that reflect current industry standards.

Spectrum Access: Ensuring competitive spectrum access in rural America remains a top priority to provide the connectivity, innovation, and productivity needed to close the digital divide and maintain America’s global technology leadership. CCA urges Congress to do more to promote equitable access and competition for smaller and rural carriers to have a fair opportunity to compete and win licenses at auction. 

Members also highlighted infrastructure deployment barriers, the IP transition, the need for oversight and transparency, competition, and interoperability during the FirstNet reauthorization process.

“CCA’s collective voice is instrumental in shaping policies that promote fairness, drive innovation, and ensure all Americans have access to reliable and affordable connectivity,” said Maureen McCabe Moore, SVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Communications Corp., and Chair of CCA’s Board of Directors. “Now more than ever, it is critical we use our voice to shape policies that ensure competitive carriers can continue the vital work of maintaining and deploying our nation’s communications networks.”

Tim Donovan, CCA’s President and CEO, added, “CCA members play a critical role in connecting Americans across the country, and our annual fly-in is incredibly important to promoting CCA’s collective policy priorities. The dedication and engagement of our members have driven real results, and I look forward to our continued work to ensure all Americans, regardless of location, can stay connected in an increasingly digital world.”

For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org.

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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.