Live at MCS 2026! CCA, Rural Carriers, Telecom Growth & the Future of Wireless | EP:18

In Episode 18 of Whiskey & Wireless, Ron Willett records live from CCA and sits down with three longtime leaders from the regional wireless ecosystem:• Kim Caronchi, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA)• Ron Whaley, IDI Billing Solutions• Slayton Stewart, CEO of Carolina West WirelessThe conversations cover the evolution of RCA into today’s CCA, the relationships that have shaped the regional wireless industry for decades, and the growing challenges facing rural and regional carriers across the United States.From policy and advocacy in Washington to shrinking roaming revenue, AI adoption, private networks, and the fight to preserve local wireless providers, this episode offers an honest look at the realities of telecom today.The discussion also explores:-How CCA became a major advocacy force in Washington-Why relationships still drive the telecom industry-The financial pressures facing regional carriers-The decline of roaming and universal service funding-AI, automation, and operational efficiency in telecom-New revenue opportunities through APIs and private networks-Why local customer service still matters in rural America-The importance of supporting regional carriers and communitiesThis episode is part industry history, part business strategy, and part behind-the-scenes look at the people helping keep regional wireless alive.If you work in telecom, wireless infrastructure, carrier operations, billing, policy, or rural broadband, this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe to Whiskey & Wireless for more conversations with the people shaping the telecom industry.#podcast #wireless #telecom