Washington, D.C., — Competitive Carriers Association’s 2026 Annual Convention (CCA 2026) will host two days of keynotes and executive panels with industry leaders from ATN International, C Spire, Carolina West Wireless, Cellular One, ClearSky Technologies, Ernst & Young, Nextlink, Oracle Communications, T-Mobile, Tarana Wireless, and Union Wireless. The topics of discussion center on a common theme: how competitive communications service providers can thrive in an evolving market and what they must do to remain competitive and stay in the game. CCA 2026 will take place September 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in Louisiana. 

On Tuesday, September 15, CCA President and CEO Tim Donovan will deliver welcome remarks to open the keynote luncheon. Next, Jeff Giard, Vice President of Business Development & Partnership at T-Mobile will talk about T-Mobile’s recently announced satellite joint venture with the nationwide carriers and its mission to enhance satellite competition and provide rural carriers with a one-stop shop for technical and OEM standardizations, technology, and IT. Rounding out the keynote program, ClearSky Technologies will host, “The Burn on Bourbon Street,” testing panelists with their industry knowledge while simultaneously participating in a hot wing eating contest. Ron Willett, Vice President & GM of ClearSky Technologies will moderate.

Panelists include:

• Chip Damato, Business Development Director, ClearSky Technologies
• Mark Lane, Director of Network Engineering & Operations, Cellular One of NE Arizona
• Eric Woody, CEO, Union Wireless
• David Zylka, Chief Technology Officer, Carolina West Wireless

On Wednesday, September 16, the keynote program will begin with remarks by Maneesh Gauba, Industry Executive Director for Telecommunications at Oracle Communications, followed by the Fierce Network Panel entitled, “Surviving Convergence: Why Broadband Has Become Essential to the Future of Regional Operators,” which will be moderated by Monica Alleven, Executive Editor, Wireless, Fierce Network.

Panelists include:

• 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

“I’m very excited that CCA’s 2026 Annual Convention will feature such a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers from across the industry,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. “CCA represents more than just wireless, and regional carriers have a lot to offer and contribute to ensure every American can connect. I’m excited to hear directly from these industry leaders and executives about how they make strategic decisions, compete with national carriers, and identify opportunities to work together as the industry continues to navigate convergence.”

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 & Capitol Hill Day will be held in Washington, DC on February 9 & 10, and the Annual Convention will take place September 13-15 in Palm Springs, CA. Visit www.ccamobile.org and on X, @CCAMobile and #CCA2026.