Annual Report - Competitive Carriers Association

The Voice of Rural & Regional Carriers
Annual
Report
Joining together to improve the lives of Americans through delivery of wireless communications
Cover photo story page 2

Table of Contents
RCA Mission & Vision 3
From the 2009/2010 Chairman of the Board 4
From the 2010/2011 Chairman of the Board 6
From the President & CEO 8
From the 2009/2010 Treasurer 10
Financials 12
RCA Goals 14
Annual Achievement Awards 16
Committee Reports 18
Advocacy 22
Communications 24
Events 26
Board of Directors 28
Staff 29
RCA: The Value of Membership 30
Cover Photo: The cover photo of the 2010/2011 Annual Report is the Grand Prize Winner of RCA’s First Annual
Photo Showcase. The photograph was taken by Gregg Harris of Sagebrush Cellular in Montana, and
in his words, “This photo was taken near Brockton, MT and is one of Nemont’s cell towers located in the
hills just east of Brockton on Highway 2 in Northeast Montana. I’ve driven by this tower dozens of times
on my way back from events in Williston North Dakota and have seen this sunset a lot of those times
but never took the time to take the shot. I told myself, ‘take the time & take the shot.’ When you get the
chance to see something awesome like this you have to just do it. I call the photo ‘Cell Site Sunset’ and in
the Big Sky State we have a lot of these opportunities. We just have to take the time & take the shot.”

RCA Mission & Vision
Photo courtesy Eliana Santos, Quality One Wireless
Mission: RCA is committed to being the premier advocacy organization for
rural and regional wireless carriers and stakeholders. RCA will use advocacy
leadership, education, and networking opportunities to help rural and regional
carriers grow and thrive in the wireless industry.
Vision: RCA will be the leading organization for competitive wireless carriers
and stakeholders, joining together to improve the lives of Americans through
delivery of wireless communications.
www.rca-usa.org | 3

From the 2010/2011
Chairman of the Board
I am very pleased with the progress RCA has made over the past year, as we
have established ourselves as a world-class advocacy entity representing nearly
100 of the nation’s competitive carriers. Last year, when I became Chairman
of the Board, I made it a priority to continue our push on our most important
advocacy issues and to focus on membership recruitment to strengthen our association.
As my term as the 2010/2011 Chairman of the Board draws to a close,
I am proud to report that RCA has achieved both. I thank the Board of Directors,
members and the RCA staff for their hard work and dedication to help ensure
that RCA is best prepared to face the many challenges in the wireless industry,
and I would like to take a look back at a few of the many achievements we have
made over the past year.
Recruiting New Members – At the 2010 Annual Convention, RCA launched the
Unite the Carriers Campaign with the goal of recruiting new members, and especially
carrier members, to join RCA. The stronger our association, the louder
our voices will be heard not only by policymakers in Washington, DC but also
by others in the wireless industry. The Unite the Carriers Campaign proved to
be a success, as many RCA members participated in the important initiative and
reached out to their contacts to encourage them to join RCA. New companies
were even joining towards the end of the year, which clearly demonstrates that
they saw real value in an RCA membership. RCA also reached out to international
carriers to encourage them to join our association. Although we focus
on issues in the United States, it is important that we maintain our international
contacts to share ideas and network with others in the global wireless industry.
As of February 2011, RCA has added 18 new carrier and 46 new associate
members, and I hope to see these numbers continue to increase throughout
the year!
4 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Growing RCA’s Major Events – Last year, RCA held a successful Annual Convention and the largest
Business & Technical Conference in RCA history. With outstanding attendance and interest
in both of our events, RCA began to focus on ways to enhance both events and further increase
the size of both shows. With the goal to grow both events in mind, the Convention Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors to switch the dates and rebrand our Annual Convention
and Business & Technical Conference, and the Board approved the proposal. The Convention
Committee and Business & Technical Committees combined to help ensure a smooth transition in
the upcoming year, and the new committee is now the RCA Events Committee. Correspondingly,
the shows have been re-branded to become the Annual Convention & Innovation Expo and the
RCA Fall Expo to better describe and market each event. I am very pleased with the hard work
and dedication of the committee members, which is evident by the terrific program they have in
place for the April Convention.
“... we have established ourselves as a world-class advocacy entity
representing nearly 100 of the nation’s competitive carriers.”
Bringing Value to our Members – RCA brings a number of benefits to our members each year
and 2010 was certainly no exception. For the first time in several years, RCA conducted a benchmark
survey, which was a great success. I thank all carrier members that participated in the
survey; it could not have been done without your input. The survey has proven very useful for
RCA, providing a wide range of key industry metrics that members can use to compare your own
internal data and aggregate statistics that will support our advocacy efforts in Washington, DC.
In addition to the benchmark survey, RCA created The RCA Voice, the associations first magazine,
which featured articles by members and can be used to help recruit new members. RCA created a
political action committee, RCA PAC, to help with our efforts on Capitol Hill, created a GSM buying
consortium, and held 6 informational webinars.
It has been an honor to serve as the Chairman of the Board over the past year, and I am very
pleased with the Board’s commitment to ensure that RCA is the leading voice for rural and
regional competitive carriers. I am confident that the year ahead holds many great things for our
association, and I am excited to see what great things we can accomplish. I am very appreciative
of the opportunity to serve as your Chairman. RCA is a wonderful organization, and I urge you to
continue to participate and work together to achieve success!
Best Regards,
Ron Smith
President, Bluegrass Cellular, Inc.
2010/2011 RCA Chairman of the Board
www.rca-usa.org | 5

From the 2011/2012
Chairman of the Board
It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as RCA’s 2011/2012 Chairman of
the Board of Directors. I would like to thank Ron Smith, the outgoing Chairman,
for his hard work and commitment to RCA over the past year. I cannot think
of anyone more deserving of RCA’s Distinguished Leadership Award, as our association
made significant progress this year moving forward on our advocacy
issues, enhancing benefits to our members, and recruiting new members. I am
fortunate to have a strong and experienced Board of Directors with me during
my term as Chairman, and I look forward to working with the new Board members
that will join us officially at the Annual business meeting at RCA’s Annual
Convention.
In the year ahead, I look forward to continuing the good work of our Association,
and I am particularly interested in advancing our most important advocacy
issues including interoperability throughout the 700 MHz, data roaming, handset
exclusivity and Universal Service Fund reform. Steve Berry, RCA’s President
& CEO, and his team are working around the clock to make sure our voices are
heard in Washington, DC, and I encourage all RCA members to join the drive to
ensure that decisions made by policymakers will benefit rural and regional carriers
and our customers.
There are many ways to get involved in RCA’s policy issues, and it is crucial
that we have as much participation from our carriers, associates and affiliates
as possible. Although RCA is carrier-centric, it can only help us to have sup-
6 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

port from our associate and affiliate members. As they say, there is power in
numbers, and we need to move full speed ahead to ensure that we are not left
behind in the ever-changing and evolving wireless industry. In June, RCA hosts
Lobby Day and schedules a series of meetings with Congress and at the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to meet with policymakers and voice our
concerns on our issues. We must continue to educate these decision makers; it
is imperative that they know that their decisions can mean the very survival of
some of our businesses. I strongly urge you to participate in Lobby Day and join
fellow RCA members to support and discuss our issues.
" With so many crucial policy issues on the table, I am more determined
than ever to continue our work to move forward on the policy front"
In addition to focusing on our advocacy issues, I plan to continue our initiative
to grow our two main events, the Annual Convention & Innovation Expo
and the Fall Expo. As the largest revenue sources for RCA, it is very important
that we do all that we can to ensure they are successful. I am pleased with the
Board’s decision to switch the dates of the Annual Convention and the former
Business & Technical Conference. Moving our largest show, the Annual Convention,
to September will help position RCA as the “go-to” wireless industry event
during the fall and will help increase the number of participants that are able
to attend. I encourage all members to send as many company employees to
the Convention and Fall Expo as possible. There are a number of educational
opportunities that will benefit all divisions within our companies, and there is
no better way to network, make new contacts and share ideas with others in
the industry.
By working together, we can achieve success. With so many crucial policy issues
on the table, I am more determined than ever to continue our work to move forward
on the policy front. I encourage each and every one of you to get involved
with RCA as we move forward and strengthen our association. I look forward to
working with each of you throughout the upcoming year; we have a great one
ahead of us.
Sincerely,
Hu Meena
President & CEO, Cellular South
2010/2011 Vice President, RCA Board of Directors
www.rca-usa.org | 7

From the
President and CEO
2010 was a great year for RCA, and it continues to be an honor and a pleasure to
serve as your President and CEO. I thank Ron Smith, the 2010/2011 Chairman,
the Board of Directors, and the association for a productive and successful year.
Over the course of the year, RCA has moved forward on our advocacy issues,
increased our membership, conducted two very successful events, the Annual
Convention and Business & Technical Conference, and achieved a number of
other important goals as well. RCA is the voice of competitive carriers, and I
look forward to continuing our important work together this year.
At the direction of the Board of Directors, RCA has and will maintain a strong
focus on our advocacy issues. RCA’s “oxygen” issues include interoperability
throughout the 700 MHz spectrum, data roaming, success-based Universal
Service Fund (USF) reform and spectrum policy, and decisions made in Washington,
DC can mean the very survival of many small, rural and regional carriers.
Every competitive carrier is concerned with the policy issues, and it is imperative
that we continue our work together and make our voices heard by policymakers
on the Hill and at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
One such opportunity for members to get involved is by attending RCA Capitol
Hill Day in Washington, DC. Last June, many RCA members joined RCA and for a
series of meetings with Congress and the FCC to help educate policymakers on
our most important issues. The meetings were successful, and I encourage you
to attend Capitol Hill Day this year. Although RCA is a carrier-centric association,
it is equally important for associate and affiliate members to attend these meeting
and show support for our issues as well. There is no better way to catch the
attention of a Congressman or FCC staff member than by making the effort to
talk to them face-to-face about our concerns. Policymakers want to hear from
you, as their decisions affect your companies and your lives. As I always say,
8 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

there is power in numbers, and the more participation we have, the louder our
voices will be heard.
RCA held successful events last year, including the largest Business & Technical
Conference in RCA history. These two events are a large source of revenue for
RCA, and it is important that we continue to ensure strong events. With the
goal of growing both events in mind, the Convention Committee recommended
to the Board that RCA move its Annual Convention to September and move
the Business & Technical Conference to the spring and re-brand both events.
The Board approved the recommendation, and 2011 will be a transition year for
our major events. The Annual Convention & Innovation Expo is in Las Vegas in
April, and the newly re-branded Fall Expo will be in September also in Las Vegas.
In 2012, RCA will host a Spring Expo in a destination city, and the Annual Convention
will take place in September in Las Vegas. I thank the many members
– carriers, associates and affiliates – that have agreed to lend their names in support
of both events as we go through this transition. I hope you will continue to
support RCA’s events whether as a participant, sponsor or speaker.
"...there is power in numbers, and the more participation
we have, the louder our voices will be heard."
Another significant achievement the association accomplished this year was
creating a Benchmark Survey. For the first time in several years, RCA carrier
members participated in a benchmarking survey which gathered key information
and metrics for the benefit of our membership. The survey was very
well-received and is of enormous value to our membership, providing valuable
information against which you can compare your own internal data and aggregate
statistics that have and will continue to support our efforts with regulators
and legislators. In fact, the survey was so successful that the Board would like
to continue the initiative and conduct a benchmark survey for 2011 as well. I
thank all carrier companies for participating, and I hope that this past year’s
survey will encourage those who did not participate to do so this year.
It is clear that RCA has had a very busy year, and I am proud of what we have
accomplished together. As always, I encourage you to get involved, and please
do not hesitate to contact me or the RCA staff at any time. I look forward to our
continued work together.
Sincerely,
Steven K. Berry
RCA President and CEO
www.rca-usa.org | 9

From the 2010/2011
Treasurer
Over the past year, the clear priority of the RCA Board was to strengthen and enhance
the advocacy capabilities of the Association. While focused on advocacy
results, management of the Association has been ever mindful and attentive
to increasing revenue through new member recruitment, both carriers and
vendors, and increasing revenue from existing events and sponsorships. In that
regard, 2010 was a successful year and the Association is in fine financial health.
The objective of the Association is not to grow revenue or profit, but the much
improved balance sheet and revenue base should allow the Association to focus
greater resources on advocacy for its members and to avoid the distractions
that come with financial instability.
Over the past two years, RCA’s net income has continued to grow at a very
substantial rate. In 2008, the Association reported a net loss of ($241,254) while
our net income for 2009 and 2010 was $224,195 and $218,847, respectively, but
when adjusting for (without) special assessments leveled to support advocacy
efforts, modified net income was $86,695 and $166,347 for 2009 and 2010,
respectively. The three years’ results are very impressive going from a loss to
profits during very challenging economic times. As a result of our successful
growth in revenues and profitability, our cash and investment position
increased by almost 32% in 2010 to nearly $2.1 million at year-end. The Board
anticipates more resources directed to advocacy efforts in the coming year.
Several factors contributed to this growth in net income during the last two
years. One was the result of dues increase in 2009, and the other was the
increase in new memberships, allowing the Association to exceed our expected
budget for membership dues. Increasing the size of our membership greatly
strengthens the Association financially, and it also enhances our voice in Washington,
DC as we continue to move forward with our advocacy issues.
The past year was also marked by a restructuring of staff and the internal and
external cost structure. Hiring an in-house General Counsel has allowed the As-
10 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

sociation to reduce outsourced fees while enhancing capabilities, allowing us to
meet budget expectations for legal expenses. With additional staff, the Association
is able to track important legislation and be of assistance to our members
around the clock. Management has significantly increased the RCA profile in
the media, press and communications outlets, getting our message to policymakers
and the masses and this requires greater internal resources.
One of the main financial goals for Management in 2010 was to grow RCA’s largest
events--the Annual Convention and the Business & Technical Conference.
The Board approved a recommendation by the Convention Committee to move
the Annual Convention to September and to re-brand the Business & Technical
Conference, which will be the 2011 Fall Expo this year. As 2011 will be a transition
year for these two events, RCA has high hopes to grow both and therefore
increase event revenue and income. With this initiative in mind, management
of the Association has emphasized the importance of members showing support
for the events through attendance and sponsorships and should encourage
others in the industry to attend.
"Increasing the size of our membership greatly strengthens the
Association financially, and it also enhances our voice in Washington, DC"
On behalf of management and the Board, I thank all members for your support
and encouragement over the past year. Your association has been through a
number of changes, and from a financial standpoint, it has emerged on very
strong footing, and I believe that greatly increases our chances of success in carrying
forward the advocacy and other cooperative initiatives of the Association.
Sincerely,
Michael Prior
2010/2011 RCA Treasurer
www.rca-usa.org | 11

Financials
2009 Ordinary Income
Conferences & Meetings 1,185,765
Directory & Advertising 23,062
Membership Dues 1,380,517
Member/PR/advocacy assessment 52,500
2010 Ordinary Income
Interest income/investment 24,577 Interest income/
Investment
1%
Member/PR/
advocacy assessment
2%
Membership
Dues
51%
Conferences &
Meetings
44%
2009 Expenses
Salaries & General & Administrative 1,253,214
Convention & Conferences 543,661
Membership/advocacy 650,699
2,447,574
2010 Expenses
Directory &
advertising
1%
Membership/
advocacy
27%
Convention &
conferences
22%
Salaries &
General &
Administrative
51%
12 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

2008 2009 2010
Balance Sheet
Assets
Cash & cash equivalents $116,877 $611,036 $1,089,163
Investments 912,680 968,895 989,264
Prepaid expenses 41,795 36,300 29,091
Other current assets 0 5,415 5,415
Fixed assets, net of accum. deprec. 23,115 23,111 25,223
Total Assets $1,094,467 $1,644,757 $2,138,156
Liabilities & Net Assets
Other current liabilities 296 461 4,626
Deferred revenue 267,265 593,195 863,582
Unrestricted net assets 826,906 1,051,101 1,269,948
Total Liabilities & Net Assets $1,094,467 $1,644,757 $2,138,156
Statement of Activities
Ordinary Income
Conferences & meetings $1,055,648 $1,221,733 $1,185,765
Directory & advertising 6,570 21,241 23,062
Membership dues 463,493 550,068 1,380,517
Member PR/advocacy assessment 137,500 52,500
Interest income/investment 51,924 57,637 24,577
Total Income $1,577,635 $1,988,179 $2,666,421
Expenses
Salaries, general & administrative 402,312 470,170 1,253,214
Convention & conferences 544,745 492,768 543,661
Membership/advocacy 871,832 801,046 650,699
Total Expenses $1,818,889 $1,763,984 $2,447,574
Change in Net Assets $(241,254) $224,195 $218,847
www.rca-usa.org | 13

RCA Goals
Photo courtesy Daniel Picazo, GCI
RCA’s goals – to advocate, facilitate, educate and communicate – are what the
Association is all about. These goals serve as a foundation for our planning
efforts each year, providing representation to all our member companies
through our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., our annual meetings and
webinars and our regular email alerts.
14 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

I. Advocate - Represent the interests of
member companies before public and private
entities involved in the formulation and or
enforcement of wireless service policy.
II.
Objectives:
1. Monitor the activities of Congress and
make direct contact with members of
Congress and their staffs on legislation
impacting member companies.
2. Monitor the activities of the FCC and
make direct contact with Commissioners
and staff on rules and regulations
impacting member companies.
3. Monitor the Courts and respond
accordingly on decisions impacting
member companies.
4. Monitor and respond to other
government entities as it relates to rural
wireless service policy decisions.
Facilitate - Provide an environment wherein
member companies can share and benefit
from common efforts, experiences and
expertise.
Objectives:
1. Create and participate in joint efforts to
influence legislation and regulation.
2. Provide informal networking
opportunities for members in and around
RCA meetings.
3. Establish opportunities for formal
dialogue through the RCA web site,
newsletters, and requests for member
information.
4. Provide programming that includes
member experiences as part of all RCA
seminars.
5. Maintain active member list and make
available to RCA members when
requested.
6. Develop and maintain dialogue with
industry affinity groups on issues,
meetings and other industry information.
III. Educate - Provide and coordinate opportunities
for member companies to receive pertinent
and helpful knowledge and learning
relative to the various aspects of providing
wireless services in the rural marketplace.
Objectives:
1. Conduct an annual seminar built around
educational presentations in the fields
of wireless service marketing, customer
service, business planning, tax planning,
accounting and the state of the industry.
2. Conduct an annual seminar built around
educational presentations in the fields
of wireless technology, engineering and
network planning.
3. Hold an annual meeting of all members
focusing on opportunities for member
companies to keep apprised of the latest
public policy issues, wireless market and
business issues and the latest industry
technology and products available to
them, as well as a place for product and
service providers to share with members
the latest innovations in technology and
support services.
IV. Communicate - Serve as a source of information,
material and data as to the important
place rural wireless communications service
providers occupy in the marketplace.
Objectives:
1. Maintain active information exchange
between members through utilization of
member notices, newsletters, website or
other means.
2. Develop annual informational handbook
and make available to all RCA members.
3. Develop and distribute to appropriate
audiences information on RCA, its history,
purpose and membership.
4. Develop and maintain active web site
for RCA members and the general public
and share pertinent information as to the
who, what, when, where and why of RCA.
www.rca-usa.org | 15

Annual Acheivement Awards
Each year, RCA recognizes outstanding members in three categories and
presents awards in a special ceremony during the opening session at our
Annual Convention. The award recipients are selected based on your
nominations. To be eligible, nominees must be a current and active member of
the Rural Cellular Association who has made contributions during the past year.
16 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Annual Achievement Award
Outstanding Achievement
Award
The “Outstanding Achievement
Award” honors the efforts of an
individual in the cellular telecommunications
industry who
has made extraordinary contributions
during the past year to
the wireless industry and to the
Rural Cellular Association.
RCA Innovation Award
The Industry Innovation Award
is presented to an individual
and/or company that has made
an outstanding innovative
contribution to the wireless
industry. Whether through
technology development or
advanced marketing techniques,
this award honors a creative,
forward-thinking achievement
that is most noteworthy
throughout the industry.
Outstanding Service Award
The “Outstanding Service Award”
is presented annually in recognition
of a person’s and/or their
company’s outstanding service
to the community and willingness
to go beyond the normal
call of duty; reflecting positively
on the wireless industry in general
and on rural wireless carriers
in particular.
Distinguished Leadership
Award
The Distinguished Leadership
Award is given to the outgoing
RCA Chairman of the Board in
recognition of the extraordinary
service and leadership the Chairman
has provided RCA over the
past year. RCA presents this
award in grateful appreciation
for the Chairman of the Board’s
superior leadership and dedication
to our Association.
Neko Hamlett Associate
Member of the Year Award
The “Neko Hamlett Associate
Member of the Year Award,” formerly
the “Associate Member of
the Year Award” was renamed in
2009 to honor longtime friend of
RCA, Neko Hamlett. Neko contributed
countless hours of service
to RCA and is truly missed
by all who knew him. The award
honors an Associate Member
who has made outstanding contributions
during the past year
that significantly benefited the
industry in general and the Rural
Cellular Association specifically.
www.rca-usa.org | 17

Committee Reports
Photo courtesy Dan Rule, Golden State Cellular
The backbone of any successful organization is its committees and volunteers
who participate as committee members. RCA is no exception. Buoyed by a
strong volunteer board, RCA’s standing committees oversee the important
work of the association on a regular and planned basis.
18 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Associate Member Committee
Ron Whaley, Chair
Charge: The Committee serves as a liaison between the Associate Member segment of the membership
and the leadership of the Association by working directly with and through the Associate Member Board
Member. A member of this committee also serves on the Convention Committee and the Member Services
Committee. The goal is to maintain a positive partnership with the Voting Member segment of the
RCA membership.
2010/2011 proved to be a very successful and productive year for the Associate Member Committee. Last
year, with the change in RCA’s bylaws, the number of positions for Associate Members on the Board of
Directors increased from 1 to 6. At the 2010 Annual Convention, the Associate Members selected 5 new
members to the Board, and during the course of the year in 2011 the Board decided to expand the Associate
position by one additional slot. The Committee met a number of times on conference calls to discuss
upcoming challenges and to share ideas, and the Committee is pleased to report the following achievements
for the past year:
•
•
•
Helped identify potential new RCA members and reached out to business contacts to
encourage them to join RCA
Formed a nominating committee similar to that of the Carrier Members to select reach
out to Associate Members interested in Board positions.
Assisted with the transition of the Annual Convention and Fall Expo, and many Associates
lent their name for RCA marketing materials.
Events Committee
Hu Meena, Chair
Charge: Oversees the development and planning of the Annual Convention & Innovation Expo
and the Fall Expo, formerly the Business & Technical Conference, including speakers, format,
agenda and exhibits. Membership on this Committee is open to all RCA members.
The RCA Events Committee was created this year as a result of the combination of the Convention
Committee and Business & Technical Committee. This past fall, with the goal of growing both
events in mind, the Board of Directors approved the recommendation by the Convention Committee
to switch the dates of the Annual Convention and Business & Technical Conference and
re-brand both events. To help achieve this initiative, the Convention Committee and Business &
Technical Conference Committee combined into one RCA Events Committee, and three subcommittees
were formed:
1.
2.
3.
Education Subcommittee – to help plan the breakout sessions including choosing
session topics and recruiting speakers.
Location/Social/Sponsorship Subcommittee – to help choose the location for RCA’s
events, plan social aspects and brainstorm sponsorship opportunity ideas.
Recruiting Subcommittee – to focus on recruiting new carriers and new vendors.
www.rca-usa.org | 19

The Education Subcommittee began planning for the 2011 Annual Convention & Innovation Expo
in November 2010, and established an outstanding agenda. Several breakout sessions include
discussion on 3G/4G technologies, which coincides well with the theme, “4G for All America.”
Other topics include quality assurance for customer service, understanding M2M, and applying
financial statistics.
The Exhibit Hall hosts more than 130 booths and provides dedicated time for Carrier and Associate
Members to connect and share information about new products and services. The Committee
would like to thank convention sponsors and golf tournament sponsors for their support. The
Committee is pleased with the overall development and events leading up to the 2011 Annual
Convention and continues to urge active participation by both Members and non-Members, as
the sessions provide valuable information to help companies succeed.
Washington Reps Group (WRG) / G & R Committee
Michael Rosenthal, Chair
Charge: Bridging the gap between the policy decisions made in Washington, DC and the impacts
of those decisions on members of the rural and regional wireless industry, the Washington Reps
Group works to keep RCA members updated, shape policy positions, and proactively advance the
RCA Advocacy Agenda before policymakers.
Key WRG highlights over the past year include:
• Increased meetings to weekly occurrence.
• Increased active participation in FCC dockets impacting RCA members.
• United industry efforts to support automatic data roaming, including support from all
wireless carriers with the exception of the largest two.
• Released and commissioned data-driven studies regarding the impact of policy decisions
on data roaming, interoperability, and spectrum issues.
• Called for the return to interoperable spectrum policies that supported the massive
growth and innovation found in the early cellular days.
• Continued push for an end to exclusive handset agreements and worked to provide an
Apple iPhone contact for all RCA members.
• Engaged policymakers on all aspects of USF reform.
• Led the effort for the FCC to lift the “in-market” voice roaming exception.
• Actively participated in stakeholder discussions with Congress and the White House on
the future of telecommunications policy.
• Supported implementation of National Broadband Plan recommendations that will
allow rural and regional carriers to provide robust services.
Throughout the year, WRG has remained very active with increased participation. Amidst continued
economic recovery and an increased focus on jobs, while reducing government expenditures,
coupled with a divided government from the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives
in the 2010 Elections, the Washington Reps Group continues to push policy positions de-
20 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

signed to restore competition in the industry and support the launch and expansion of 4G mobile
broadband.
Member Services Committee
Kimberly Krienke, Chair
Charge: To develop and oversee an active program of recruiting and retaining membership in
RCA by companies who have an interest in rural wireless communications. To explore and make
recommendations of potential association programs and services that could enhance the value of
membership in RCA.
The Member Services Committee remained active this last year, overseeing RCA membership, including
recruiting new members, assisting with RCA internal projects, and promoting the Association.
Some of the Committee’s many accomplishments this year included:
• Selected semi-finalists for RCA’s 1st Annual Photo Showcase
• Reached out to Carrier Members to encourage them to complete RCA’s Benchmark Survey
• Helped recruit new members to RCA by reaching out to business contacts
• Brainstormed topics for RCA webinars
• Volunteered at the RCA booth at the Annual Convention to help with Committee sign-up
The Committee is pleased to report that RCA membership was very strong in 2010. As of the end
of February 2011, total membership was 275, including 18 new carrier members and 46 new associate
members. In the upcoming year, the Member Service Committee will continue to contribute
to RCA’s efforts to grow the association, and the Committee looks forward to a productive and
successful year ahead!
www.rca-usa.org | 21

Advocacy
Photo courtesy Dan Rule, Golden State Cellular
RCA represents the interests of its members before Congress, the FCC, as well as
other federal policy-making bodies and organizations. This outreach, coupled
with sustained member participation and active involvement in the political
process, enables RCA to advocate on legislative, regulatory, and related issues
of importance to its members.
22 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Over the past year, RCA had made a keen effort to continue to educate federal policymakers on issues
most important to competitive carriers. Many of RCA’s top advocacy issues are still yet to be decided
upon, and in the upcoming year, the following issues will remain top priority for RCA:
Data Roaming – As with voice roaming, wireless carriers should be required to negotiate just and reasonable
data roaming terms with all requesting carriers. The line between voice and data services is
soon to disappear. As LTE networks are deployed across the nation, voice service will be just one of
many applications running on each carrier’s network. The FCC has authority under Titles I, II, and III
of the 1996 Communications Act to act on the issue of data roaming.
Interoperability (700 MHz Band Classes) – Devices designed to work in any one block of paired spectrum
should work across all paired blocks within that same spectrum. Unless the FCC or Congress
acts to restore this 1980s-era requirement for the 700 MHz spectrum, it will be technologically
impossible for the latest devices to roam from one network to another. As a result, large blocks of
spectrum could go unused, spectrum will be unnecessarily devalued and, more importantly, wireless
consumers and public safety will have less access to much more costly wireless technology.
Universal Service Fund – In order to reduce growth of the Universal Service Fund, policy makers should
work towards support mechanisms that are highly targeted and portable with consumer choice.
The fundamental goal of USF is to drive competition and high-quality voice and data services into
rural America. Competition breeds innovation and quality. That is why as many carriers as are available
should compete to provide the best service in high cost areas. We, therefore, oppose reverse
auctions or any other single-winner process as a means to award universal service support and believe
that support should follow the customer. RCA will also oppose interim USF reform measures
which propose an inequitable phase out of high cost support for wireless carriers, fail to provide
an effective means of promoting improved mobile wireless coverage, or distract from efforts to
achieve meaningful long-term reform.
Spectrum Allocation – Competitive carriers need low-band spectrum that is interoperable and free
from interference. Federal policy makers should take action to assure that competition, not preservation
of current wireless communications industry market share, drives the allocation of future
spectrum. Federal policymakers should concentrate on innovative methods and techniques to fully
utilize spectrum and maximize its value while supporting market entry and additional competitors.
Federal policymakers should support spectrum allocations that enable smaller entities to meaningfully
compete for additional spectrum through allocating low-band spectrum in smaller block sizes.
Handset Exclusivity – Exclusivity is anti-competitive and anti-consumer; consumers should be free
to put whichever device they want to use on the network that best serves their needs. The lack of
interoperability in spectrum bands used for current 4G mobile broadband deployments threatens
to exacerbate the anticompetitive effects of exclusivity arrangements by creating technical barriers
that result in de facto device exclusivity.
RCA will also remain engaged in issues such as Bill Shock and consumer issues, 700 MHz Interim Buildout
Benchmarks, Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency systems, 700 MHz D Block, and Special Access.
www.rca-usa.org | 23

Communications
Photo courtesy John Hurley, GCI
RCA will continue to bring up-to-date information on what’s happening in
the Association and the industry as a whole. News is delivered right to your
desktop in the form of the monthly newsletter, RCA News; surveys and email
alerts on late breaking news in our industry.
24 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Over the past year, RCA has continued efforts to make our voices heard with policymakers in Washington,
DC and throughout the wireless industry. With a number of RCA’s key advocacy issues in decision before the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress, RCA ramped up our communications efforts to
ensure our positions were heard. We continued to increase internal communications within the membership
and external communications with outside parties such as the media, third party organizations, Congressional
and FCC offices and potential new members. Updates on our communications efforts include:
Press Releases – RCA significantly increased the number of press releases and speaking events. Whether
defending policy positions, announcing economic studies, or commenting on decisions made by the
FCC and Congress, RCA has become a “go-to” source for reporters and media outlets for issues concerning
competitive carriers. President & CEO Steven K. Berry participated in countless interviews, including
trade publications, national newspapers and national television. Spreading the word about RCA through
the media and various news outlets is one important way to secure our place in the fight for our advocacy
issues, and it is a great way to attract new members to join. Copies of RCA’s press releases are posted
on the front page of the RCA website.
RCA Website and Social Media – The RCA website is the digital face of our association, and RCA made
significant improvements to the content, the look and the feel of the website last year. Highlighting upcoming
events, economic studies, our benchmark survey, etc., the front page of the website immediately
informs viewers about current happenings within RCA. The website serves as the primary hub where
RCA members can connect, RCA and member companies can post press releases and potential members
can learn about the many benefits of joining our association. Further, Facebook, Twitter, and other social
media outlets all serve as communications avenues to make our advocacy efforts come alive.
The RCA Voice – One significant enhancement RCA made in the communications department this year was
creating a new magazine, The RCA Voice. The magazine will be published twice a year and published
online to coincide with the Annual Convention and the Fall Expo. The theme for the inaugural edition
was “Innovation,” and RCA invited members to submit articles to be published in the magazine. The RCA
Voice also provided additional advertising opportunities for members and non-members. RCA received
an enormously positive response from members interested in submitting articles and exceeded the
editorial space by several pages. Each member company received several copies of The RCA Voice in the
mail, and RCA sent copies to key Members on Capitol Hill and at the FCC. Hard copies will be available at
both the Annual Convention and Fall Expo for all attendees. The magazine is a fantastic marketing tool
that RCA can use to make our voice heard and help recruit new members to our association.
RCA Newsletters – RCA continued distribution of our monthly newsletter, RCA News, over the past year.
Including letters from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO, the newsletter informs readers
about upcoming events at RCA and keeps them up-to-date on happenings within the association.
Email Alerts – Email alerts are the fastest, most effective way to communicate directly with members, potential
new members, and others interested in RCA’s issues and events. This past year, RCA sent a number of emails
regarding issues such as RCA’s Benchmark Survey, our first annual Photo Showcase and upcoming webinars.
Events – Our RCA Convention and the Fall Expo are excellent sources of media and member communications
opportunities, and they are an important part of our communications mission. This past year, our events
provided, as always, premiere opportunities to network with members, information about new technologies,
and information on how policy issues impact the corporate balance sheet. RCA’s events help keep
our membership informed, involved and engaged.
www.rca-usa.org | 25

Events
Photo courtesy Toby Walsh, Illinois Valley Cellular
Each year RCA provides opportunities for education, sharing of knowledge
and networking through various seminars and conferences held throughout
the U.S.
26 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Annual Convention and Exhibition
RCA’s Annual Convention & Innovation Expo offers unique educational opportunities
for Members and participants to learn, grow and share ideas with
other industry professionals. Held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada, this event
has become the premier showcase for presentations on technology, marketing,
government policy and finance issues relating particularly to rural and
regional companies. Product and service providers from across the country
participate in the Exhibit Hall, where Members can display the latest technologies
and meet to discuss industry issues and innovations.
The 2010 Annual Convention was held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino,
and 743 attendees participated in the four day event. Topics discussed in the
general and breakout sessions included:
•
•
•
•
•
Reducing Operating Expenditures and Developing your Roadmap
to the Future
Transitioning to 4G/LTE
Updates on legislative issues facing small wireless carriers
Locating financial sources available to the wireless industry
Progressing to a smartphone platform
"This event has become the premier showcase for presentations on ...
issues relating particularly to rural and regional providers"
Business & Technical Conference
RCA’s 2010 Business & Technical Conference was held in October in Myrtle
Beach, SC. With 410 participants, it was the largest Business & Technical Conference
in RCA history. Attendees met with vendors and attended sessions
that included:
•
•
•
•
Creating applications for customers
Review of legislative and regulatory issues
Website marketing for customer gain and retention
New accounting and tax updates
Per Board of Directors approval, the Business & Technical Conference has been
rebranded to RCA’s Fall Expo. The 2011 RCA Fall Expo will take place September
14-16 in Las Vegas, NV. The Committee has been hard at work planning
an educational and informative conference, and RCA looks forward to another
successful event.
www.rca-usa.org | 27

2010/2011 Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Ron Smith
President
Bluegrass Cellular
Vice Chairman of the Board
Hu Meena
President
Cellular South
Treasurer
Photo
Not
Aailable
Secretary
Michael Prior
President & CEO
Atlantic Tele-Network,
Inc.
Johnie Johnson
CEO/General Manager
Nex-Tech Wireless, LLC
Steven K. Berry
President and CEO
Rural Cellular
Association
Roger Bundridge
General Manager
Northwest Missouri
Cellular
Steve Campbell
EVP, Finance, CFO &
Treaserer
US Cellular
Bob Dawson
President/CEO
SouthernLINC Wireless
Jerry Easom
Vice President
Syniverse Technologies
Dan Rule
Marketing & Communications
Director
Golden State Cellular
Damian Sazama
VP - Marketing & Product
Development
Interop Technologies, LLC
Mark Stachiw
CEO/General Counsel
& Secretary
Metro PCS
Craig Stein
EVP & GM, US Regions,
Broadband & Media KAM
Ericsson, Inc.
Matt Ungerleider
AVP Sales National Accounts
Alcatel-Lucent
Directors
Laura Angell
General Manager/EVP
Leaco Rural Telephone
Cooperative, Inc.
Len Barlik
EVP of Product
Management &
Development
Cox Wireless
James Hyde
Title?
NTelos Wireless, Inc.
David Peters
VP, Sales & Marketing
Velleros, Inc.
Patrick Riordan
President
New Cell, Inc. dba
Cellcom
Ron Whaley
Vice President
OSG Billing Services
Wirt Yerger, III
President
Cavalier Wireless, LLC
28 | RCA 2010/2011 Annual Report

Staff
Steven K. Berry
President and CEO
Jeff Cantwell
Membership Coordinator
Suzanne Hord
Operations Manager
Samantha Bullock
Project Coordinator
Rebecca Thompson
General Counsel
Pat Holder
Convention & Events
Planner
Tim Donovan
Director, Legislative Affairs
Susan Madden
Publications & Graphic
Lucy Tutwiler
Director, Media & Communications
www.rca-usa.org | 29

RCA: The Value of
Membership
Benefits to our Members
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Substantial discounts on the RCA Annual Convention and Exhibition, the Business
and Technical Conference, Webinars and other educational and networking
events, as well as discounts on goods and services offered by other RCA members.
Access to cutting-edge information on regulatory threats, compliance issues,
funding sources and other helpful resources through the RCA Web Site Members
Only Portal, our e-newsletter, Webinars and members-only issue briefings.
Easy access to fellow member experts through directories, networking and events
and special vendor pricing from certain suppliers, and the ability to share your
views with key industry players, quickly and effectively.
Key information about marketing metrics, carrier networks and systems.
Listing in the RCA Membership Handbook, made available to all RCA members.
Access to the RCA website, an interactive hub for member communications and
education.
A heads up on industry wants and needs, enabling you to learn about opportunities
for product development, growth and sales.
Opportunities to submit articles for distribution to members, sponsor or speak
at special events and Webinars, advertise to members and serve, as a peer, on
industry committees
Photo courtesy Eliana Santos, Quality One Wireless
30 | RCA 2009/2010 Annual Report

Rural Cellular Association
805 15th St NW, Suite 401
Washington, DC 20005
800.722.1872
www.rca-usa.org