Regional U.S. carriers are moving beyond traditional mobile service. Broadband, satellite links, and AI infrastructure now shape their next growth plans.
Tim Donovan, president and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association, outlined this shift before CCA’s 2026 annual convention in New Orleans. He said regional operators now think less about isolated networks. Instead, they focus on reaching customers through every available access method.
Broadband has become a central opportunity. Many mobile operators already run fiber to tower sites. They can extend that fiber to homes and businesses. They can also use fixed wireless to serve areas where fiber builds remain costly.
This approach fits rural and regional markets well. Operators can reuse existing radios, towers, backhaul, and field teams. That lowers deployment barriers. Yet it also adds planning pressure. Carriers must manage new service models, billing needs, and support expectations.
Donovan framed the change clearly. “There aren’t really any pure play mobile carriers any longer that the business case is less siloed over what kind of technology you’re using and more of how do you reach your customers,” Donovan said.
Meanwhile, satellite connectivity is gaining attention. Donovan does not view it as a major standalone business line. He sees it as a coverage tool. It can help regional providers close dead zones. It can also help them match nationwide carrier offerings.
“The satellite connectivity and directed device services I think are less of a new revenue stream but more of a how do you fill gaps that you may have in coverage,” he said.
This matters because expectations are changing fast. Users now hear more about satellite-to-device services. Enterprise buyers also ask for resilient coverage. Regional carriers must answer those questions, even when economics remain unclear.
At the same time, AI infrastructure may open a different path. Rural carriers often own land around tower sites. They also control fiber routes and power connections. Some sites include extra capacity for reliability.
“Those are the same ingredients that we’re talking about in the policy discussions over AI infrastructure,” he said.
That creates an interesting possibility. Regional carriers could host smaller, modular computing systems near network edges. These systems process data closer to users and devices. They may support lower delay and local workload needs.
However, this model requires careful execution. Carriers need partners, capital, and operational expertise. They must also protect core network reliability. Emergency services, voice traffic, and mobile coverage cannot suffer.
Power use will be a key issue. AI systems require significant electricity. Yet some remote telecom sites already have robust power arrangements. Donovan suggested carriers could turn unused capacity into revenue.
The wider challenge involves control of the customer relationship. Some carriers want full ownership. Others may work under partner brands. Either model can work if customers gain reliable service.
For regional operators, the message is clear. Mobile remains vital, but it is no longer enough. Broadband, satellite, and edge-based AI could define the next chapter.
