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.