Amelia Island, Florida – The keynote program at CCA’s Annual Convention (CCA2024) launched today with remarks from FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a broad-ranging panel of communications service operators and an interactive session on the hot topic of the moment, artificial intelligence.
Taking place September 9-11, the Annual Convention is situated at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Amelia Island, Florida.
Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA, opened the keynote program at the afternoon luncheon by commenting on several critical public policy initiatives with far-reaching ramifications for competitive carriers and the greater communications service providers industry. “Having a unified voice for competitive carriers has never been more critical. These have been some of the most challenging times to move any legislation, but we’re making progress. The future of closing the digital divide and providing ubiquitous connectivity across the country depends on this important work,” Donovan said.
Immediately after, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks took the stage to provide an update on important regulatory concerns moving through Washington. "CCA members are working day in and day out to deliver the connectivity that Americans, rural Americans in particular, depend on,” Commissioner Starks said.
The keynote panel "Perspectives on Washington: Navigating the Road Ahead," was moderated by Paul Kirby, Senior Editor of Wolters Kluwer’s TR Daily. Speakers included Michael Prior, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, ATN International; Flynn Rico-Johnson, Policy Advisor, Wireless, Space, and International, Office of FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks; Bentina C. Terry, President and CEO, Southern Linc and Southern Telecom, Inc; and Michele Thomas, Lead Counsel and Vice President, Regulatory, T-Mobile.
Panelists discussed a range of regulatory, legislative, and legal topics of importance to carriers, including the impact of lapsed FCC spectrum auction authority and what steps the Commission can still take to make additional frequencies available; the latest on Universal Service Fund litigation and FCC and legislative activity, including the future of the 5G Fund; legal challenges to the FCC’s net neutrality rules; efforts to fully fund the “rip and replace” program; the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Chevron deference; and the effect that the fall elections might have on carriers.
“I’d like to thank attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors of CCA2024 for coming together at our Annual Conference,” Donovan said. “The challenges, opportunities, and potential for accelerated progress together here multiplies the advantages we all gain for the future of connectivity.”
CCA’s Annual Convention hosts three days of networking and exhibits, along with a keynote and educational program that address the latest innovations and business strategies that drive the communications service provider ecosystem. The exhibit floor will showcase technology from major brands including Interop Technologies, Nokia, Syniverse, and others.
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 2025, CCA’s Mobile Carriers Show will be held April 14-16 in Denver, Colorado, and the Annual Convention will take place September 15-17 in San Antonio, Texas. Visit ccamobile.org and on X/Twitter, @CCAMobile #CCA2024.
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