Washington, D.C. – Mobile carriers and communications service stakeholders from across the nation will soon convene at CCA’s 2026 Annual Convention, September 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The conference will feature an educational program focused on strategies for generating revenue, enhancing business practices, and improving the customer experience, including a keynote panel produced by Fierce Network entitled, “Surviving Convergence: Why Broadband Has Become Essential to the Future of Regional Operators.” 

Panelists will explore the ways in which regional operators are leaning on broadband, expanding beyond wireless, and building broader connectivity businesses. Whether through fiber, fixed wireless, partnerships, or a combination of approaches, this session will examine the ways network operators are connecting customers and the business and policy implications that are emerging. 

Speakers include:

• Monica Alleven, Executive Editor, Wireless, Fierce Network – moderator
• Claude Aiken, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Legal Officer, NextLink
• Mike Calabrese, VP of Worldwide Sales, Tarana Wireless
• Suzy Hays, President & CEO, C Spire
• Michael Perchonok, Principal, EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young LLP
• Michael Prior, Executive Chairman of the Board, ATN International

“It is always a pleasure to have Fierce Network back to host a keynote panel – this time focused on convergence, which is an important topic not only for CCA members, but also for the broader industry,” said CCA President & CEO Tim Donovan. “To remain competitive, it is more important than ever for companies to leverage the technologies and resources available to keep customers connected and supported. CCA and its members are extremely focused on the evolving policy and business landscape surrounding convergence, and I look forward to hearing the timely insights from this panel of experts and the discussions it will spark 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. In 2027, CCA’s Policy Summit will be held in Washington DC on February 9, and the Annual Convention will take place September 13-15 in Palm Springs, CA. Visit ccamobile.org and on X, @CCAMobile and #CCA2026.