Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA) is celebrating 20 years of connection, marking two decades of helping rural and regional wireless carriers strengthen the networks their communities depend on every day.
Founded in 2005, RINA was built on a cooperative model designed to give rural wireless providers access to reliable, carrier-grade core network services through shared resources. By working together, independent carriers were able to establish hosted switching and roaming capabilities that would have been difficult to achieve alone, creating a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and growth.
Strata Networks played a foundational role in the creation and early development of RINA, alongside South Central Communications. Conceived by the leadership of both organizations, RINA was established as a strategic initiative to reduce switching costs while improving service capabilities for rural wireless customers.
Prior to RINA’s formation, each organization independently owned and operated its own switching infrastructure in separate markets. Recognizing the operational and service advantages of consolidation, the decision was made to centralize switching operations in Roosevelt, Utah. This transition to a shared switching environment was successfully implemented in January 2006, marking a pivotal milestone in RINA’s early growth and establishing a more efficient, scalable model for supporting rural wireless networks.
As the wireless industry evolved, RINA evolved alongside it, expanding its services to support LTE, cloud-based core architectures, CBRS deployments, and paving the way for 5G. Today, RINA supports twenty-three carrier companies, delivering advanced wireless services to underserved rural communities across multiple states, including seven partner carriers operating in Alaska. Through continued investment in network resiliency, data center infrastructure, and strategic vendor partnerships, RINA helps its members improve reliability, enhance service quality, and prepare their networks for long-term 5G readiness.
Most recently, RINA acquired Digital Communications Consulting (DCC), a strategic milestone that expanded RINA’s capabilities in network design, optimization, and carrier support. This acquisition increased RINA’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions and provide deeper technical expertise to its members, reinforcing RINA’s commitment to long-term network performance and scalability.
Looking ahead, RINA remains focused on advancing cloud-native network deployments, strengthening vendor partnerships, and supporting next-generation wireless technologies that meet the evolving needs of rural carriers. RINA also continues to play a leadership role in industry collaboration through initiatives such as the Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit, with the 2026 Summit planned for Steamboat Springs, Colorado, bringing together carriers, vendors, and policymakers to address the future of rural connectivity.
“For 20 years, RINA has helped rural carriers do more together than they could do alone,” said Allen Bennion, Director of RINA Operations. “From our cooperative beginnings to expanding our capabilities through strategic growth, we remain focused on helping our members build resilient, modern networks that serve their communities today and into the future.”
About Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA) RINA is a premier provider of wireless telecommunications services, offering a wide range of solutions designed to optimize network performance and expand connectivity for rural wireless providers. Headquartered in Roosevelt, Utah, RINA serves customers throughout North America, focusing on reliability, innovation, and exceptional customer service. For more information, contact Allen Bennion at abennion@stratanetworks.com.
