CCA Mobile Carrier Show revamp highlights expanded interest in IoT and 5G, though policy and spectrum expected to remain core to event
The Competitive Carriers Association is looking to alter business as usual for its spring fling, going with a new name designed to highlight growing interest in the broader telecom ecosystem.
Now known as the Mobile Carriers Show, CCA’s annual spring event is set to focus on the burgeoning “Internet of Things,” increased development of “5G” technology, and nontraditional ecosystem partners and services expected to provide its carrier members with future growth opportunities.
“IoT is becoming more attractive to our carriers,” explained CCA President and CEO Steve Berry. “If we start exposing our carriers to this they can jump on it pretty quickly. Connectivity is key to IoT and that’s where our carriers come in.”
In touting the new name, Berry said the move “should provide greater clarity for both regular show attendees as well as new technology innovators looking to get in front of mobile carriers that serve more than 100 million domestic wireless customers.”
The 5G topic is set to be covered by a handful of panel sessions and a CTO roundtable, which is set to include representatives from Sprint, Atlantic Tele-Network, C Spire, U.S. Cellular and TNS. A scheduled keynote panel is also set to tackle challenges in re-architecting networks to handle new technologies and services, with representatives from carriers and vendors like Ericsson and Huawei.
While the MCS event will sport a wider focus, Berry noted the event will also zero in on policy and spectrum issues that remain core to CCA’s mission statement. The Federal Communications Commission’s recently initiated 600 MHz incentive auction has been a central topic of discussion at past CCA events, and with the proceedings now underway, CCA carrier members are sure to be looking for any possible insight on what they can expect. Berry said CCA has gone to great lengths in trying to provide insight into the proceedings, without interfering with auction rules.
“I think we’ve done a good job at making sure we don’t put our panels in conflict with the ability to speak in terms of the 600 MHz auction,” Berry said.
Also of expected policy interest will be the FCC’s recent push for Universal Service Fund reform, which is critical to build out plans for many rural carriers.
Attendees are also set for an update from FirstNet, which earlier this year released its official request for proposals for the nationwide LTE network for public safety it is responsible for planning and building. The move asked potential partners to respond by April 29, with FirstNet President TJ Kennedy scheduled to provide an update as part of a CCA keynote.
CCA will be hosting a Speed Networking event it said should generate significant opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow members of the telecom ecosystem, as well as a Wireless Repair Roundup designed to provide insight into the growing wireless repair industry.
Also highlighting the “new” of the show, the event will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, which is a new host city for the trade association’s events. As part of its regular community outreach, CCA said it worked through the local Nashville Technology Council to generate interest in the event and through CCA’s giveback program will be visiting a local elementary school.
Look for RCR Wireless News coverage of the 2016 CCA Mobile Carriers Show beginning April 13, including stories on top news from the event and live video streaming of the important keynotes and panel.
