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.