Associated Carrier Group, Sprint and Competitive Carriers Association support regional carriers with improved access to devices

New agreement integrates Device Hub into ACG

September 24, 2018

Associated Carrier Group (ACG), Sprint and Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) are collaborating to offer Device Hub services to ACG members, providing regional and smaller carriers with a one-stop solution for timely access to devices.

In an increasingly demanding device ecosystem, assisting smaller carriers in gaining access to hard-to-reach devices is crucial in maintaining a competitive environment. ACG was formed to benefit both its members and consumers by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to quickly develop and procure scarce or difficult to obtain products through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. Since its inception in 2005, ACG has given its members access to 11 million devices.

Russ Lipinski, president and executive director of ACG, said, “This agreement is another critical step in allowing small- to medium-sized carriers access to niche products and other devices that are challenging to secure.”

CCA strongly supports the evolution of the Device Hub into ACG, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist regional carriers in gaining access to devices. “The partnership will continue to advance, build and leverage ACG’s buying power and, ultimately, allow for greater competition. It’s a win for both carriers and customers,” said Steven K. Berry, CCA President and CEO.

Jay Bluhm, Vice President of Network Development and Engineering at Sprint said, “Sprint is committed to helping smaller carriers get access to the devices their customers want. We are excited for the new agreement with ACG to bring a combined device roadmap to regional carriers using procurement processes they are already familiar with and an activation process enabling these devices to work seamlessly on their networks.”

About Associated Carrier Group:

ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as technical device testing. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant LTE & CDMA devices. ACG presently has thirty-one Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

About CCA:

CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s nearly 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation.