The CCA Summit and CCA’s Annual Convention will offer two distinct opportunities for the competitive communications industry to connect

New Orleans, LA, – Yesterday, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) elected its 2026/2027 Officers. CCA’s 2026/2027 Chair of the Board, Chris Champion, SVP Government Relations, C Spire said, “it is an honor and pleasure to serve as CCA’s Chair. C Spire has been a proud member of the association for many years, and I am looking forward to working with the Board and fellow members in the coming year.” CCA’s President and CEO, Tim Donovan said, “Congratulations to the newly elected Officers. CCA is made up of a group of very dedicated, advocacy-oriented competitive carriers, and I look forward to working with the Board and the entire membership in the upcoming year.” 2026/2027 Board Officers: Chair: Chris Champion , C Spire Vice Chair: Brighid Riordan , Cellcom Treasurer: Jon Lightle , Nex-Tech Wireless Secretary: Ron Whaley , IDI Billing Solutions Chair Emeritus: Maureen McCabe Moore , GCI President & CEO: Tim Donovan , CCA ### 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.

New Orleans, LA – Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) today announced the winners of its 2026 Annual Achievement Awards onstage at the CCA Annual Convention. The awards recognize industry and community contributions from individuals, carriers, and associates in the communications service provider market. CCA’s Annual Convention takes place September 14 -16 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in Louisiana. “Congratulations to our 2026 award winners, whose accomplishments reflect an extraordinary commitment to our industry and the communities they serve,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. “I’m delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their outstanding work and contributions. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Maureen McCabe Moore for her dedicated service as Chair of CCA’s Board of Directors over the past two years and for all she has done to advance CCA and its members.” The 2026 Annual Achievement Award winners are as follows: Steven K. Berry Outstanding Achievement Award Luke Dillie, VP of Sales, Viaero Wireless Luke Dillie is recognized for his exceptional business acumen, willingness to lend a hand, and dedication to CCA and the industry. As co-chair of the Business Innovation Group and an active CCA contributor, Luke has helped recruit new members, shape educational sessions through the Events Committee, and support CCA’s mission. David Zylka, CTO, Carolina West Wireless David co-chairs the Business Innovation Group and is honored for his exceptional contributions to CCA and the industry. He co-leads the Carrier CTO Roundtable at CCA shows, contributes to advocacy discussions, and frequently speaks at CCA’s biannual events. Neko Hamlett Associate Member of the Year Award Bryan Darr, VP Government Affairs, Ookla Bryan and Ookla have worked tirelessly to enable Ookla data to be incorporated into the FCC’s National Broadband Map. Ookla’s app provides significantly more data than the FCC’s app. More accurate mapping will strengthen FCC programs, benefiting the CCA members, industry, and the customers they serve. Outstanding Service Award (Carrier) HTC HTC donated 35 cases of Girl Scout cookies to the Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina. Blue Star Mothers includes mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians with children who serve or have served in the military. HTC’s donation added a heartfelt touch to care packages that will reach far beyond the local community. Outstanding Service Award (Associate) Scott Donlea, Hemphill Tower & Power Scott is an active volunteer in his community, serving as a Special Olympics coach for football, powerlifting, and golf, as well as a Sunday School small group leader. He has also served with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Posse, as a nurse aide in the oncology suite at Alomere Hospital, and as a story time leader at Advance Training Center. Industry Innovation Award (Carrier) C Spire C Spire is being honored for its collaborative work with AWS to apply AI to network operations. Their partnership serves as a strong example of how carriers and technology providers can work together to drive meaningful innovation that benefits both operators and the communities they serve. Industry Innovation Award (Associate) Comfone Comfone is awarded for its Signal Tracing and Hawkeye Applications. These complimentary self-service applications empower operators with unprecedented visibility, control, and efficiency over their global roaming relationships. These tools have significantly reduced reliance on outside resources and allow a broader range of employees to troubleshoot issues, freeing highly trained resources to focus on more complex matters. Distinguished Leadership Award Maureen McCabe Moore, Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Maureen is honored for her leadership, guidance, and dedication to CCA during her tenure as Board Chair from 2024-2026. Maureen helped lead the association during some of its most significant advocacy wins, including a Universal Service Fund win at the Supreme Court and reinstatement of the FCC’s spectrum auction authority. She is a well-respected industry executive deserving of recognition. ### 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.

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.

Washington, D.C., – Yesterday, during its 2026 Annual Meeting, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) elected its 2026/2027 Board of Directors. CCA’s Officers will be elected and announced next week during CCA’s 2026 Annual Convention taking place in New Orleans, September 14-16. CCA’s 2025/2026 Chair of the Board, Maureen McCabe Moore, SVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Communications Corp., said, “CCA encompasses of a group of very dedicated, advocacy-focused competitive carriers, and it has been an honor and pleasure to serve as Chair for the past two years. I look forward to continued service on the Board and our collective work to achieve CCA’s advocacy goals.”  CCA’s President and CEO, Tim Donovan said, “I am delighted to have such a remarkable group of individuals serving on the Board who are committed to advancing CCA’s policy issues. With several critical advocacy issues before us, I look forward to working with the Board and drawing on their leadership and guidance to ensure competitive carriers can compete, invest, and thrive for years to come.” 2026/2027 Board of Directors *Re-elected ** New Board Member Mike Calabrese – Tarana Wireless Chris Champion – C Spire Serena Chisnell – Nokia Tom Cullen – Boost Mobile Chip Damato – ClearSky Technologies* Frank DiRico – Viaero Wireless* Tim Donovan – Competitive Carriers Association John Dwyer – Interop Technologies, Inc. * Jonathan Foxman – MTPCS Lisa Hanlon – Teltech Group** Judd Hinkle – Cellular One of NE Arizona* Mike Johnson – Appalachian Wireless* Mike Kilgore – Sagebrush Cellular Jon Lightle – Nex-Tech Wireless Maureen McCabe Moore – GCI John Nettles – Pine Belt Communications Clint Odom – T-Mobile Michael Prior – ATN International* Brighid Riordan – Cellcom Tracey Schenk – Thumb Cellular, LLC Slayton Stewart – Carolina West Wireless Bentina Terry – Southern Linc Von Todd – HTC, Inc. Per Wahlén – Ericsson Seth Walton – Transaction Network Services** Ron Whaley – IDI Billing Solutions John Wick – Syniverse Eric Woody – Union Wireless* ### 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.

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.

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.

Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement regarding the advancement of S. 4448, the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026, to the House floor: “CCA thanks the Senate Commerce Committee for advancing the ‘Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026,’ with bipartisan support, to help expedite the permitting process for BEAD projects. Strong oversight and accountability transparency in the federal permitting process are crucial as BEAD projects move forward. Eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing delays, and streamlining federal siting and permitting will help to maximize the program’s efficiency and impact in connecting unserved and underserved areas across the nation.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org . ### 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.

Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement regarding Verizon’s proposed acquisition of Carolina West Wireless (“Carolina West”): “Carolina West Wireless has been providing exceptional service to its customers for 35 years and has been an exemplary member of CCA for over two decades. The company is without question an innovator and leader in the competitive carrier community, and today’s announcement demonstrates why policymakers must ensure that competitive carriers serving rural and small markets have the tools and support necessary to compete, invest, and thrive in the years ahead.” “Over two years ago, Carolina West sounded the alarm with the FCC regarding its dire need for additional Universal Service Fund (“USF”) support to prevent the shutdown of several money-losing towers – and the potential loss of service to customers. The financial challenges Carolina West highlighted are not unique, and many other small and rural carriers continue to face similar pressures as they serve high-cost areas without the scale advantages enjoyed by nationwide carriers. Without further policy changes, more communities will lose locally focused providers that have long delivered choice, innovation, and connectivity in high-cost areas, particularly in communities that might otherwise be overlooked. Many of these carriers are in need of critical USF support, and the FCC can support these carriers and rural consumers by providing sustainable operational expense support for mobile networks, among other policies. Time is of the essence, and I strongly encourage Congress and the Commission to take prompt action.” Donovan continued, “The communications marketplace is losing rural and regional competitors at too rapid a pace. Today’s announcement underscores the broader challenges facing many small and rural carriers and the need for policies that support their ability to compete, invest, and serve rural communities. I strongly urge policymakers to take a hard look at the state of the industry and promote policies that give smaller carriers, and their consumers, a fighting chance.” ### 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.