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Washington, D.C., – Communications service providers and industry stakeholders from across the nation will convene at Competitive Carriers Association’s 2026 Mobility & Connectivity Show (MCS), April 14-16 in Louisville, KY for three days of educational sessions, exhibits, and networking. Fierce Network is set to return to the show with a headline keynote panel entitled, “The Future of Connectivity: A Regional Carrier Reality Check.” Taking place on Wednesday, April 15, at 9:00 am ET, this discussion will center around the benefits regional carriers bring along with the structural pressures they face. Regional carriers occupy an important, yet often misunderstood position in the telecom ecosystem, and panelists will explore whether regional carriers can continue to compete in an environment increasingly shaped by national footprints and large capital budgets, or whether more consolidation is inevitable. Moderated by Linda Hardesty, Executive Editor and Chief Analyst, Fierce Network, speakers will consider the complex challenges and circumstances that face the industry. Through expert insights, this panel will address the risks and uncertainties that keep executives up at night. From regulatory shifts and funding constraints to technological disruption and competitive encroachment, all will affect not just companies in the industry but the consumers in the underserved, hard-to-reach areas. Speakers will include: Aaron Gillespie, COO, Nex-Tech Wireless Mike Johnson, CEO, Appalachian Wireless Brian Jones, SVP & Chief Treasury Officer, C Spire “I’m delighted Fierce Network is back to host a keynote panel specifically on reginal carriers,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. “Appalachian Wireless, C Spire, and Nex-Tech Wireless are all long-time CCA members, and I appreciate their willingness to share not only their success stories but also the challenges they face in their day-to-day operations. Regional carriers are some of the most innovative companies in the industry, and I look forward to hearing their thoughts and insights, which will certainly prompt interesting discussions throughout the show.” 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., — 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.