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.”

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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.