The Rural Cellular Association, which nowadays would like to be known as RCA – The Competitive Carrier Association, continued to grow its base of large operators by welcoming T-Mobile USA to the fold.
RCA, which counts more than 100 carrier members, last year added MetroPCS and Sprint Nextel to its membership that now basically includes most domestic operators save Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility. That’s not to say that the “Big 2” have ignored RCA as in fact Verizon Wireless has on numerous occasions been featured as a guest speaker at RCA’s events touting its LTE in Rural America program. That program has so far attracted more than a dozen rural operators, with plans for the first network launches later this year.
“We share RCA’s goal of promoting a healthy, competitive wireless industry and look forward to working with the other RCA members on advocacy efforts that advance competition and ultimately benefit US wireless,” said T-Mobile USA general counsel and EVP Dave Miller in a statement.
It should be noted that T-Mobile USA joins RCA following AT&T’s failed attempt to acquire the nation’s No. 4 carrier, which was vehemently opposed by RCA and its members.
RCA President and CEO Steve Berry, noted that the addition of T-Mobile USA will help bolster the organization’s lobbying efforts.
“We look forward to working with them on the policy issues that are most important to our membership,” Berry said in a statement. “With all the challenges facing the mobile industry, it is more critical than ever for competitive carriers to come together in the advocacy fight and a stronger membership will certainly help ensure our voices are heard at the FCC, on Capitol Hill and at the White House.”
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter?
