RINA
Follow Us :
Linkedin-in
Roosevelt, Utah
Contact Us 435-622-5231
2026 RWIS

Agenda

 

All sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom unless noted otherwise.

9:00 am | Golf

Summit Golf Event

Shotgun start at 9:00 am
Kick things off on the course with a relaxed, social round of golf. A great way to connect early, have some fun, and ease into the Summit before sessions begin.

Outdoor Adventures or Day Spa

Take advantage of everything Steamboat has to offer. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or opting for a little rest and recharge at the spa, this is your time to settle in your way.

Launch Party Reception

Celebrate the beginning of the Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit with a lively launch party! Enjoy delicious appetizers, two complimentary drink tickets, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for networking and connecting with industry peers. It’s the ideal way to kick off the summit and set the stage for the days ahead. The Launch Party will be held at the Timber and Torch Restaurant, a lively indoor/outdoor bistro with mountain views.

Dinner on Your Own

Wrap up the day your way.  Continue conversations with new connections, stay at the Timber & Torch for dinner, or explore local restaurants.

7:30 am | Hot Breakfast & Check-In

Grand Ballroom Lobby

Check-in not required if you received your name badge and materials at Launch Party Social.

Presenter: Allen Bennion, Chief Operating Officer, RINA Networks; President, RWA

Explore the forces reshaping today’s economy from slowing global growth and capital constraints to rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and what they mean for rural wireless carriers. The session unpacks how AI-driven demands, evolving network economics, and new competitive dynamics are transforming investment priorities in rural wireless markets, providing insight on capturing new value at the intersection of connectivity and AI.
Presenter: Jeff Johnston, Lead Economist, Digital Infrastructure, CoBank

The regulatory landscape is quickly evolving due to AI advances, market consolidation, new spectrum auctions, satellite coverage, public safety network improvements, rural broadband deployment and changes in universal service support. This panel will discuss major FCC and legislative priorities for rural wireless carriers, highlight immediate risks and opportunities, and provide practical guidance for navigating regulatory complexity.
Panelists: Justin Faulb, Vice President and General Counsel, NTCA- The Rural Broadband Association, Erin Fitzgerald Dobozy, Regulatory Affairs Director for Broadband, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA); Carrie Johnson, Assistant Vice President of External
Affairs & Policy, FirstNet
Moderator: Carri Bennet, Outside General Counsel, RWA

Explore the latest innovations and solutions in the industry at the Exhibitor Showcase. Connect with vendors, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and gain valuable insights throughout the day.

AI is already embedded in vendor tools, and it is not just for big tech – it’s ready for rural carriers too! This presentation shares how AI has already been implemented in the wireless ecosystem, providing step-by-step demos on the benefits Mavenir’s AI-based managed services offerings create value to rural carriers. Learn how to create use cases for real time voice translation services and how to implement AI in your network without losing control over your data.
Presenter: Brandon Larson, Senior Vice President, Mavenir

From AI-assisted operations to fully autonomous networks, this panel breaks down how agentic AI is reshaping the mobile industry — from AI-Ops and real-time observability to 6G-ready, self-orchestrating agentic architectures. Hear how the “Big 3,” MVNOs, and tech innovators are translating AI into measurable returns, new business models, and competitive advantages.
Panelists: Jayasheel Shetty, Head of Solutions, US Mobile Networks, Nokia; Brandon Larson, Senior Vice President, Mavenir; Ericsson; Chad Rosenbohm, DCC, LLC
Moderator: Jake Brown, DCC, LLC

Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch, included as part of the day’s offerings—perfect for recharging and connecting with fellow attendees.

As FirstNet continues to evolve, rural wireless carriers will play a defining role in how public-safety coverage is enhanced throughout America. This panel focuses on how rural carriers can partner with FirstNet through roaming, backhaul, infrastructure sharing, and resilience
investments, which work to strengthen public safety networks while also reinforcing their own footprint. Learn where FirstNet is heading, what public-safety expectations are rising, and how early engagement can position rural wireless carriers as trusted, long-term FirstNet partners.
Presenters: Carrie Johnson, Assistant VP of Strategy & Policy, FirstNet; Jana Wallace, CEO, PTCI

The BEAD funding is awarded, but now the hard part begins. This session delivers a practical roadmap for deploying broadband efficiently, demonstrating how operators can blend fiber, FWA, CBRS, and core architecture to maximize coverage, control costs, and meet long‑term performance obligations. Hear directly from operators and vendors on what works in a real build environment, how to stretch your BEAD dollars, and how to future-proof for workforce development, resiliency, and public‑safety needs.

Panelists: Carl Guardino, VP of Government Affairs & Policy, Tarana; Mike Sanders, Executive Director, Oklahoma Broadband Office; Dave Ryan, COO, Strata Networks

Moderator:  Lisa Hanlon, CEO, Teltech Group

Explore the latest innovations and solutions in the industry at the Exhibitor Showcase. Connect with vendors, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and gain valuable insights throughout the day.

Building AI-Driven Telecom Software for Rural and Regional Operators

Burgess Creek 1    

Explore how AI is reshaping telecom software and how it can be hyper-personalized for rural and regional operators’ particular needs.  This session will highlight how AI-driven automation, smarter configuration, and optimized core network software enable operators to simplify operations, reduce costs, and adapt more quickly to changing demands – especially in resource-constrained environments.

Presenter: Javier Martin, CEO, Summa Networks

Branded Calling

Burgess Creek 2    

Branded calling is emerging as a significant development in telecommunications presenting a competitive challenge for rural service providers unable to offer this increasingly essential service to their customers. Leading carriers are beginning to implement branded calling extensively, while many rural providers lag behind. This Breakout Session will examine the concept of branded calling, its operational methodology, implementation scenarios, and provide a detailed business case for rural carriers interested in monetizing branded calling.

Presenter: Jim Dalton, CEO, TransNexus

Mobile Analytics/Acumen

Burgess Creek 1

Description coming soon.

Presenter: Ivan Bykov, Sr. Solution Architect, Ribbon Communications

FCC 24-78: The FCC’s NG-911 Order Translated into Practical Use

Burgess Creek 2

When every second counts, accurate routing can mean the difference between help arriving or not. This Breakout Session dives into Location‑Based Routing architectures, rural boundary challenges, and operational best practices, offering concrete guidance on testing, governance, and NG911 readiness for rural wireless carriers.

Presenter: Jerry Wilke, Director of Sales Engineering, Intrado

Emerald Mountain Tent

Gather to socialize beginning at 6:00 pm; dinner served at 6:30 pm.

End the day with a classic Colorado cookout dinner, included with your registration. Savor local flavors and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to unwind and network.

8:45 am | Welcome & Overview

Presenter: Chris Ruhl, General Manager, Cross Wireless; Board of Directors, RWA

Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) is moving from headlines to operational reality for rural carriers. This session explains how low earth orbit (LEO) based cell service actually works, and where its limits remain for voice, messaging, data, and public safety uses for rural carriers. Learn what SCS means for spectrum sharing, rural competition, and how rural carriers can prepare for SCS without losing market share, control of their networks, or customer relationships.

Presenter: John Baker, Executive Vice President of BD, MDA Space

Rural wireless providers are under increasing pressure to expand coverage, improve reliability, and scale operations, often with limited resources and lean teams. As networks evolve, success depends on deploying physical infrastructure and transforming that infrastructure into intelligent, data-driven operations. This session discusses how rural service providers can move beyond traditional broadband deployments to unlock new operational efficiencies and revenue opportunities. When physical infrastructure investments are connected to intelligent, outcomes-based operations, rural wireless providers will be on a path to long-term success.

Presenters: Bernie Vaysenberg, Director of Wireless-US, Wesco; Bill Rose, Director, IoT and Platform Sales, Wesco

MVNOs are no longer a small-scale or urban-only play. They are an increasingly important part of the mobile ecosystem, including within rural network footprints. This panel demystifies the MVNO business case and explores how rural wireless carriers can turn the MVNO model into a strategic advantage by understanding where control, revenue, and regulatory responsibility sit.

Presenters: Curtis Knobloch, CEO, Telispire; Kevin Henderson, Sr. Accounts Director, Plintron Americas

Explore the latest innovations and solutions in the industry at the Exhibitor Showcase. Connect with vendors, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and gain valuable insights throughout the day.

CBRS has progressed well beyond trials, but rural operators continue to evaluate where it truly delivers value. This session provides an honest assessment of CBRS deployments in rural and regional markets, covering spectrum strategy, coexistence, device readiness, and operational lessons learned. This session examines where CBRS monetization is working and where expectations need to be reset. Attendees will gain clarity on how CBRS complements licensed spectrum and FWA strategies without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.

Presenters: Rick Brooks, Chief Technical Officer, Nsight, dba Cellcom; Jayasheel Shetty, Head of Solutions, US Mobile Networks, Nokia; David Fritz, Senior Director & Consulting Engineer, Hogan Lovells

SMS still generates revenue, but enterprises increasingly want richer, more trusted customer engagement than plain text can deliver. This session explores RCS A2P as a practical evolution of messaging, outlining where it drives real value, how monetization works, and what rural carriers need to consider operationally to implement this as a value-added service on their networks.

Presenters: Chip Damato, Head of Business Development, ClearSky Technologies; Fred Farrell, Director of Sales, Interop

Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch, included as part of the day’s offerings—perfect for recharging and connecting with fellow attendees.

In the post Enhanced ACAM and BEAD funding environment, rural and regional wireless providers face heightened scrutiny around cybersecurity readiness and compliance. This session focuses on practical steps that wireless carriers can take to reduce the risk of jeopardizing hard‑won funding while proactively defending against evolving cyber threats. The discussion addresses how cyber insurance strategies and the use of attorney‑client privilege support a comprehensive risk‑management approach, helping providers mitigate exposure, respond effectively to incidents, and protect both their networks and funding investments.

Presenters: Matthew Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, CyberESI; Stephen Sharbaugh, Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson

Even as network operators invest heavily in cybersecurity, many threats continue to slip through detection and response frameworks. This session examines the less visible but increasingly common attack vectors targeting wireless networks, providing firsthand insight from network operators themselves based on practical cybersecurity measures implemented and lessons learned. This panel of rural carrier executives will give insight into where current security practices fall short, how these gaps can create risks, and what practical steps operators can take to improve their networks before minor issues become major incidents.

Enjoy some delicious ice cream while you explore the latest innovations and solutions in the industry at the Exhibitor Showcase. Connect with vendors, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and gain valuable insights throughout the day.

Drawing on firsthand experience, this session offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how the FCC actually develops, debates, and adopts policy. Rural wireless carriers will gain actionable insight into navigating FCC processes more effectively and positioning their priorities for success.

Presenter:  Justin Faulb, Vice President and General Counsel, NTCA- The Rural Broadband Association (Former FCC Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for Wireline and National Security)

Rural wireless carriers are entering a pivotal period marked by rapid network modernization, looming funding obligations, shrinking market share, and escalating security and compliance demands, making it harder than ever to compete. This session examines what the next five years may hold for rural network operators, from completing BEAD‑funded builds and managing long‑term operating costs to adapting to new technologies, evolving regulatory expectations, and shifting customer demands. The panel of network operators will explore the strategic decisions carriers must make today to remain sustainable and competitive in the years ahead.

8:00 am | Sporting Clay Event

Take Aim with Sporting Clay

8:00 am: Pickup
9:30 am: Shooting starts
12:00 pm: Return to lodge for lunch and drinks

Experience the excitement of a Sporting Clay Event as part of the summit’s activities. Often called “golf with a shotgun,” this course-based experience offers a variety of shooting stations, each with unique angles and challenges. Set against the scenic Steamboat landscape, it’s the perfect mix of friendly competition, fresh air, and networking.