OTEL Otelco Inc

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

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OTELCO INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

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April 6, 2017​

Dear Stockholders:

It is my pleasure to invite you to Otelco Inc.’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We will hold this meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. local time, at the offices of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 51 West 52 nd Street, 9 th Floor, New York, New York 10019. At this meeting, you will vote: (i) to elect seven directors named in the enclosed proxy statement; (ii) to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; (iii) to approve, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation; and (iv) on an advisory basis, regarding the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation.

Enclosed, you will find a notice of meeting and proxy statement that contains further information about the agenda items and the meeting, a copy of our 2016 Annual Report and a proxy card.

Your vote is important to us and our business. I encourage you to complete, date, sign and return the proxy card in order for your shares to be represented and voted at the meeting. Brokers, banks and other nominees are not allowed to vote your shares on any matters, other than the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, in the event that you do not complete the proxy card or vote by one of the other available alternatives. It is important that your voice be heard on all items coming before this meeting.

Sincerely,

Stephen P. McCall
Chairman of the Board

Table of Contents

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Proxy Statement for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

We are providing these proxy materials in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Otelco Inc. (the “ Board ”) of proxies to be voted at our annual meeting of stockholders, to be held on May 11, 2017, and at any meeting following postponement or adjournment of such annual meeting (the “ Annual Meeting ’’).

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this proxy statement to “ Otelco ,” the “ Company ,” “ we ,” “ us ” or “ our ” refer to Otelco Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the offices of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 51 West 52 nd Street, 9 th Floor, New York, New York 10019. If you plan to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting and your shares are held in “street name”  —  in an account with a bank, broker or other nominee  —  you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from such broker, bank or other nominee.

You can vote your shares by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card or, if you hold shares in “street name,” the voting form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. A returned signed proxy card without an indication of how your shares should be voted will be voted: FOR the election of all nominees for director as set forth under Proposal 1; FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm under Proposal 2; FOR the approval of the compensation of Otelco’s named executives under Proposal 3; FOR the approval of an ANNUAL advisory vote on the compensation of Otelco’s named executives under Proposal 4; and, with respect to any other matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting, at the discretion of the proxy holders.

A quorum is required to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote are represented by stockholders present at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. Our by-laws do not allow for cumulative voting. The seven nominees for director who receive the most votes will be elected as directors. The vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The results of the advisory votes on executive compensation and on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation will be considered by the compensation committee of the Board.

This proxy statement and our 2016 Annual Report, along with the enclosed proxy card, are first being given or sent to stockholders on or about April 6, 2017.

Questions and Answers About This Proxy Material and Voting

Why did I receive this proxy statement?

The Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting because you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on March 13, 2017, and, as such, you are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

This proxy statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote at the Annual Meeting. You do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares.

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?

The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 13, 2017. As such, only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2017, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If at the close of business on March 13, 2017, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or you may vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we urge you to complete, sign and date your proxy card and return the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided to ensure your vote is counted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank or Other Nominee

If at the close of business on March 13, 2017, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by such brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote the shares in your account. Your broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote your shares for the election of directors, the advisory approval of our executive compensation or the advisory vote on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation if you do not complete and return the proxy card or vote by one of the other available alternatives. However, banks, brokers and other nominees will have discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Accounting Firm. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee.

What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

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The election of seven directors to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018;

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The ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm;

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The approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Otelco’s named executives; and

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An advisory vote on the frequency for holding future advisory votes on the compensation of Otelco’s named executives.

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The Board recommends that you vote FOR each of the nominees to the Board; FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Otelco’s named executives; and FOR the approval of an ANNUAL advisory vote on the compensation of Otelco’s named executives.

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What different methods can I use to vote?

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure that your vote is counted. You may still attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person if you have already voted by proxy.

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To vote in person, come to the Annual Meeting and we will give you a ballot when you arrive.

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To vote by proxy, simply complete, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you return your signed proxy card to us before the Annual Meeting, we will vote your shares as you direct.

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Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank or Other Nominee

If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization, rather than from us. Simply complete, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided to ensure that your vote is counted. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or over the internet as instructed by your broker, bank or other nominee. To vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee.

Follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker, bank or other nominee to request a proxy card. Your broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote your shares for the election of directors, the advisory approval of our executive compensation or the advisory vote on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation if you do not complete and return the proxy card or vote by one of the other available alternatives. However, brokers, banks and other nominees will have discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

How can I revoke my proxy?

You can revoke your proxy prior to the completion of voting at the Annual Meeting by giving written notice of your revocation to the Secretary of the Company at 505 Third Avenue East, Oneonta, Alabama 35121, Attention: Curtis L. Garner, Jr., Secretary; by delivering a later-dated proxy card; or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

Who will count the votes?

An independent representative of Wells Fargo Shareowner Services will tabulate the votes and a representative from Corporate Communications will be the independent inspector of elections to certify the results.

How many shares are outstanding?

As of the close of business on March 13, 2017, the record date for the Annual Meeting, there were 3,346,689 shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share outstanding as of the close of business on the record date is entitled to one vote at the Annual Meeting.

What is the quorum requirement?

A quorum is required to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote, or 1,673,345 shares, are represented by stockholders present in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy.

Abstentions will be counted as “shares present” at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum exists. However, abstentions will not be treated as votes cast for or against a matter and, accordingly, will not affect the outcome of any proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, other than the proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public

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Accounting Firm. Proxies submitted by brokers, banks or other nominees that do not indicate a vote for some or all of the proposals because they do not have discretionary voting authority and have not received instructions as to how to vote on those proposals (so-called “broker non-votes”) are also considered “shares present,” but also will not be treated as votes cast for or against a matter and, accordingly, will not affect the outcome of any proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, other than the proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?

For the election of seven directors, the seven nominees for director with the most FOR votes among votes properly cast will be elected as directors. WITHHELD votes and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of the director nominees.

For the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, the majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting must vote FOR the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as “shares present” at the Annual Meeting and will therefore have the effect of a vote AGAINST the proposal.

The results of the advisory votes on executive compensation and on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation will be considered by the compensation committee of the Board.

When are stockholder proposals due for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018?

In order to be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement, stockholder proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Company, Curtis L. Garner, Jr., at Otelco Inc., 505 Third Avenue East, Oneonta, Alabama 35121 and be received by no later than December 7, 2017. Similarly, in order for a stockholder proposal to be raised from the floor during next year’s annual meeting of stockholders, written notice must be received by us no later than February 10, 2018 and no earlier than January 11, 2018, and shall contain the information required by our by-laws. You may contact Curtis L. Garner, Jr. at the above described address for a copy of the relevant provisions of our by-laws regarding the requirements for making stockholder proposals and nominating director candidates.

How much will this proxy solicitation cost?

We bear all of the expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies, including costs incurred by brokers, fiduciaries and custodians in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares held in their name. Officers or other employees of the Company may, without additional compensation, solicit proxies in person or by telephone. We expect the total costs of this proxy solicitation to be approximately $30,000.

Does the Company have a policy about directors’ attendance at annual meetings of stockholders?

We do not have a policy about directors’ attendance at annual meetings of stockholders. All seven of our directors attended last year’s annual meeting of stockholders and we anticipate that a majority of our directors will attend the Annual Meeting.

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the Annual Meeting and noted on our website at www.OtelcoInc.com .

How do I obtain more information about Otelco?

A copy of our 2016 Annual Report accompanies this proxy statement. All stockholders, including beneficial owners of shares, may obtain, free of charge, a copy of that document, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, our Code of Ethics and the charters for our audit, compensation

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and nominating and corporate governance committees by writing to the Secretary of the Company, Curtis L. Garner, Jr., at Otelco Inc., 505 Third Avenue East, Oneonta, Alabama 35121 . These documents, as well as other information about Otelco, are also available on the investor relations section of our website at www.OtelcoInc.com .

Where are the Company’s principal executive offices?

Our principal executive offices are located at 505 Third Avenue East, Oneonta, Alabama 35121.

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Governance of the Company

The Board has three standing committees: the audit committee; the compensation committee; and the nominating and corporate governance committee. All three committees are comprised solely of independent directors. During 2016, the Board held six meetings with all directors attending each meeting and ten working sessions with management. During 2016, the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees held six meetings, five meetings and three meetings, respectively, with all committee members attending all meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board and committees thereof on which such director served during 2016. The Board and committees held executive sessions without management present as required in the conduct of regular business. Our code of ethics, corporate governance policies and the charters of each committee of the Board may be viewed on our website at www.OtelcoInc.com . The nominating and corporate governance committee recommended and the Board approved the membership of the committees noted below.

Ultimate responsibility for risk oversight lies with the Board and the audit committee. The audit committee and management have expanded their enterprise risk management process to evaluate a broad spectrum of risks and the magnitude, likeliness and our preparedness in each area. The audit committee provides oversight of the process and the Board regularly discusses the various risks to our business with senior management, including risks related to cyber security, acquisitions, changes in the telecommunication industry, our strategic plans, financing and financial covenants. Risks related to financial disclosure and accounting controls are handled initially by the audit committee.

Stephen P. McCall serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that the non-executive Chairman’s role allows management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, to focus on operating the business while Mr. McCall oversees and manages the Board and its functions.

Audit Committee  —  Brian A. Ross, Gary L. Sugarman, Howard J. Haug (chair) .

The principal duties and responsibilities of our audit committee (all of the members of which are independent directors under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing rules) are to monitor our financial reporting process and internal control system; to appoint and replace our independent outside auditors from time to time, determine the compensation of our independent outside auditors and other terms of engagement and oversee their work; to oversee and evaluate the enterprise risk management process; and to oversee our compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory matters. The audit committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties. It also has the authority to retain counsel and advisors to fulfill its responsibilities and duties. The audit committee operates under a charter, which is available on our website at www.OtelcoInc.com . The audit committee recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The Board has determined that Howard J. Haug and Brian A. Ross qualify as audit committee financial experts.

Compensation Committee  —  Stephen P. McCall, Brian A. Ross, Norman C. Frost (chair) .

The principal duties and responsibilities of our compensation committee (all of the members of which are independent directors under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing rules) are to provide oversight on the development and implementation of the compensation policies, strategies, plans and programs for our key employees and outside directors and to consider appropriate disclosure relating to these matters; to administer the operation of our compensation plans; to review and approve the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers; and to provide oversight concerning selection of officers, management succession planning, performance of individual executives and related matters. The compensation committee has the authority to retain counsel and advisors to fulfill its responsibilities and duties. The compensation committee operates under a charter, which is available on our website at www.OtelcoInc.com . The compensation committee recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Otelco’s named executives and FOR the approval of an ANNUAL advisory vote on the compensation of Otelco’s named executives.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee  —  Norman C. Frost, Howard J. Haug, Gary L. Sugarman (chair) .

The principal duties and responsibilities of our nominating and corporate governance committee (all of the members of which are independent directors under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing rules) are to establish criteria for Board and committee membership; to recommend to the Board nominees for election to the Board and for membership on committees of the Board; to make recommendations regarding proposals submitted by our stockholders; and to make recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance matters and practices. The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a charter, which is available on our website at www.OtelcoInc.com . The nominating and corporate governance committee recommends that stockholders vote FOR the election of the seven director nominees named in this proxy statement.

Minimum Qualifications and Desirable Attributes for Director Nominees

The nominating and corporate governance committee has established the following minimum qualifications and desirable attributes for evaluating all director nominees:

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Demonstrated business acumen and experience, preferably in a public company;

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Has the time to serve and will do so with high ethical standards and integrity;

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Ability to read and understand basic financial statements and other financial information pertaining to the Company;

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Knowledge of the information and communications technology industry;

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Experience working with a company that has gone through a cultural change;

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Understanding of social media-digital technologies;

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Experience working in an entrepreneurial environment; and

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For prospective non-employee directors, independence under Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable stock exchange rules, and the absence of any conflict of interest.

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Other Factors for Potential Consideration

The nominating and corporate governance committee will also consider the following factors in connection with its evaluation of each director nominee:

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Although the Board has no formal policy regarding diversity, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider whether the director nominee will foster a diversity of skills and experiences; and

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For potential audit committee members, whether the nominee possesses the requisite education, training and experience to qualify as financially sophisticated or as an audit committee financial expert under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchange rules.

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Process for Identifying, Evaluating and Recommending Nominees

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The nominating and corporate governance committee initiates the process of identifying, evaluating and recommending director nominees by preparing a slate of potential candidates who, based on their biographical information and other information available to the nominating and corporate governance committee, appear to meet the criteria specified above and/or who have specific qualities, skills or experience being sought (based on input from the full Board).

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Outside Advisors.    The nominating and corporate governance committee may engage a third-party search firm or other advisors to assist in identifying director nominees.

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Stockholder Suggestions for Director Nominees.    The nominating and corporate governance committee will consider suggestions of director nominees from stockholders. Stockholders may recommend individuals for consideration by submitting the written materials set forth below to the

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Company addressed to the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee at Otelco Inc., 505 Third Avenue East, Oneonta, Alabama 35121, Attention: Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. To be timely, the materials must be submitted within the time permitted in our by-laws for submission of a stockholder proposal for inclusion in our proxy statement for the subject annual meeting.

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The written materials must include: (1) all information relating to the individual recommended that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (2) the name(s) and address(es) of the stockholder(s) making the nomination and the amount of the Company’s securities which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder(s); (3) a representation that the stockholder of record is a holder of record of stock of the Company entitled to vote on the date of submission of such written materials and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to propose such nomination; (4) a representation as to whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner intends or is part of a group which intends (i) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Company’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the proposed nominee and/or (ii) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposed nomination; and (5) any other information that we may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director.

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The nominating and corporate governance committee will evaluate a director nominee suggested by any stockholder in the same manner and against the same criteria as any other director nominee identified by the nominating and corporate governance committee from any other source.

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Nomination of Incumbent Directors.    The re-nomination of existing directors is not viewed as automatic, but is based on continuing qualification under the criteria set forth above. For incumbent directors standing for re-election, the nominating and corporate governance committee will assess the incumbent director’s performance during his or her term, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation and overall contribution to the Company, feedback from peer evaluations, the number of other company boards on which the individual serves, the composition of the Board at that time and any changed circumstances affecting the individual director which may bear on his or her ability to continue to serve on the Board.

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Management Directors.    The number of officers or employees of the Company serving at any time on the Board should be limited such that, at all times, a majority of the directors are independent under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchange rules.

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After reviewing appropriate biographical information and qualifications, first-time candidates will be interviewed by at least one member of the nominating and corporate governance committee and by our Chief Executive Officer.

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Upon completion of the above procedures, the nominating and corporate governance committee will determine the list of potential candidates to be recommended to the full Board for nomination at the annual meeting.

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The Board will then select the slate of nominees only from candidates identified, screened and approved by the nominating and corporate governance committee.

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Stockholder Communications with the Board

The Board has a process for stockholders to communicate with it. For more information, please see the investor relations section of our website at www.OtelcoInc.com . Other information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement.

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Report of the Audit Committee

The audit committee reviews the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls, the financial reporting process and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “ PCAOB ”) and expressing an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In this context, the audit committee has met and held discussions with management and BDO USA, LLP, the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, with and without management present, on at least a quarterly basis. Management represented to the audit committee that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and its unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The audit committee meets with management and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm together and individually, as required, at each regular quarterly meeting. The audit committee discussed with the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm all communications required by the PCAOB in Rule 3200T and the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16 (Communications with Audit Committees).

During 2016, the audit committee reviewed management’s documentation for maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting to meet continuing compliance requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Management utilizes the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) . Based upon its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal controls and procedures were effective based upon these criteria.

In addition, the audit committee has discussed with representatives of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s independence from the Company and its management, and has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The audit committee reviewed and approved the engagement proposals from BDO USA, LLP for the 2016 quarterly reviews and annual audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and for review and filing of the Company’s federal and state income taxes and from Barfield, Murphy, Shank and Smith, LLC for 2015 federal and state income tax preparation, tax consulting services and the 2015 audit of our 401(k) plan in advance of the provision of those services.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Howard J. Haug, Chairman
Brian A. Ross
Gary L. Sugarman

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Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares by:

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each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our shares;

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each member of our Board;

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our Chief Executive Officer;

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our Chief Financial Officer;

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each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2016; and

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all members of our Board and our executive officers as a group.

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The amounts and percentages of shares beneficially owned are reported as of March 13, 2017, on the basis of Securities and Exchange Commission regulations governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities that he, she or it has a right to acquire within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed a beneficial owner of securities as to which that person has no economic interest.

Except as indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares attributable to such person.

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Less than 1%

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(1)

Based on an amendment to Schedule 13G filed on March 6, 2017, with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Ira Sochet. As stated therein, includes 377,296 shares held by the Ira Sochet Trust and Mr. Sochet’s Roth IRA, over which Mr. Sochet has sole voting and investment power, and 28,927 shares held by the David Sochet Irrevocable Trust, for with Mr. Sochet is one of the trustees. Mr. Sochet’s address is 121 14 th Street, Belleair Beach, Florida 33786.

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(2)

Based on an amendment to Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2017, with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Frederick Tucker Golden and Solas Capital Management, LLC. As stated therein, Solas Capital Management, LLC is the relevant entity for which Frederick Tucker Golden may be considered a control person. The address of each of Frederick Tucker Golden and Solas Capital Management, LLC is 1063 Post Road, Suite 2 nd Floor, Darien, Connecticut 06820

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(3)

Includes 328 shares held by Uniform Gifts to Minors Act accounts for the benefit of Mr. Garner’s grandchildren. Mr. Garner is the custodian of such accounts. Mr. Garner disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. In addition, also includes 2,719 shares which Mr. Garner owns jointly with his spouse.

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(4)

Includes 10 shares held by Mr. Haug’s wife.

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Includes 451 shares held by Mr. Andrews’ wife’s IRA.

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(6)

The percentage of class ownership was determined by dividing the number of shares shown in the table by 3,346,689, the total number of outstanding shares on March 13, 2017.

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our shares to file reports regarding their ownership and changes in ownership of our shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We believe that, during 2016, our directors, executive officers and 10% holders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, with the exception of Ira Sochet. Specifically, on March 6, 2017, Mr. Sochet filed a late Form 3 reporting that he had become the beneficial owner of more than 10% of our shares on September 22, 2016 and, on March 6, 2017, Mr. Sochet filed a late Form 4 reporting twelve acquisitions of our shares, totaling 45,488 shares, between September 23, 2016 and November 15, 2016.

In making the statements set forth in this section, we have relied solely upon an examination of the Forms 3, 4 and 5, and amendments thereto, furnished to us and the written representations of our directors, executive officers and 10% holders.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2016, the members of our compensation committee were Messrs. Brian A. Ross, Stephen P. McCall and Norman C. Frost (chair). None of Messrs. Frost, McCall or Ross has ever been an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and, since January 1, 2015, none of Messrs. Frost, McCall or Ross has had any other non-trivial professional, family or financial relationship with the Company or its executives, other than his directorship. For 2016, no executive officer of the Company served on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other entity that had any executive officer who also served on our compensation committee or Board.

EXECUTIVE Compensation OVERVIEW

The compensation committee of the Board establishes our executive compensation policy and monitors its implementation. This includes setting total compensation levels for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers in line with appropriate industry information and assigned responsibilities; balancing the retention of talent and compensation cost to us; and establishing the components of executive compensation. Our compensation committee also reviews our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations with respect to compensation for other executives before the presentation of such recommendations to the Board. The compensation committee directly employs external expert resources as required to provide supporting information for carrying out its mission. The Board approves the policies and the base and incentive compensation for the executives based on the compensation committee’s recommendations.

Compensation Philosophy

Our executive compensation philosophy is based on the principles of competitive and fair compensation for sustained performance.

Competitive and Fair Compensation

We are committed to providing an executive compensation program that helps attract and retain highly qualified executive officers. To ensure that compensation is competitive, the compensation committee compares our compensation practices with those of other companies in our industry on a periodic basis and sets our compensation guidelines based on this review. In 2016, the compensation committee engaged Aon Hewitt to provide recommendations on potential peer companies within the broad construction of the telecommunication industry and to utilize Aon Hewitt’s access to industry information to provide compensation comparisons for our senior management and the Board. After reviewing Aon Hewitt’s report, the compensation committee determined that a peer group of companies including: 8x8 Inc.; Alaska Communications Systems Group Inc.; Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.; Consolidated

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Communications Holdings Inc.; GTT Communications, Inc.; Hawaiian Telecom Holdco Inc.; Intelliquent, Inc.; Lumos Networks Corp.; New ULM Telecom Inc.; ORBCOMM, Inc.; Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.; and Towerstream Corporation provided the best industry comparison.

The compensation committee’s analysis reviewed total compensation levels for senior management positions, including: the components of base salary, incentive and bonus plans; current and long-term components; cash and non-cash compensation; and severance and change-in-control payments. The committee structured stock bonus targets based on performance measures of consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“ EBITDA ”), pre-consolidation revenue and net debt and issued restricted stock units to executive management for all of its 2015 and 2016 incentive compensation. Restricted stock units granted to management vest annually over a three-year period, further encouraging management tenure. At the end of 2016, no shares remained available for new grants under the stock incentive plan that was approved at our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. Accordingly, although 2017 incentive compensation targets will utilize the same three criteria as in 2016, with several adjustments to performance factors, all applicable incentive compensation will be paid in cash rather than restricted stock units.

The compensation committee believes compensation for our executive officers is within an acceptable range of compensation paid to executives with comparable qualifications, experience and responsibilities who are with companies that are of reasonably comparable size. The compensation committee also strives to achieve equitable relationships both among the compensation of individual officers and between the compensation of officers and other employees throughout the Company.

Sustained Performance

Executive officers are rewarded based upon corporate performance and individual performance. Corporate performance is evaluated by reviewing the extent to which strategic business goals are met, including such factors as the introduction of new technology and services for customers, growth through acquisitions, excellent customer satisfaction, efficient utilization of capital and meeting stated financial objectives. Individual performance is evaluated by reviewing attainment of specified individual objectives and the degree to which teamwork and our values are fostered.

Compensation Objectives

There are three primary objectives of our executive compensation program.

First, we must attract and retain superior talent to lead our operations and growth while controlling the cost associated with this leadership. Our capital structure requires us to distribute a significant percentage of our operating cash flow in the form of principal and interest on our debt. Consistent quarterly operations and cash accretive growth through acquisitions have historically been, and continue to be, critical to meeting our cash requirements. A stable senior leadership team positively influences the accomplishment of these goals. The rural nature of a material portion of our Company adds complexity to this challenge.

Second, the compensation program must effectively tie pay and benefits to broad responsibilities and performance against measurable targets. Specific financial targets are set for the Company each year. The combination of base pay and incentive bonus must motivate management to take the actions necessary to meet the targets on a quarterly and annual basis, without affecting our longer-term viability.

Finally, the executive compensation program must properly incentivize the executive team to lead our business, deliver returns for our stockholders and strengthen our balance sheet.

Compensation Components

To meet these three objectives, annual compensation is currently divided into three elements for our executive officers: base salary; bonuses; and employee benefits. The compensation committee determines the optimal mix of compensation components, as well as total targeted compensation. Where appropriate and necessary, these factors are incorporated in employment agreements with senior executives.

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Base Salary .   Base pay is distributed on a periodic basis and recognizes the daily performance required to lead the Company. The base salary for executive officers was set using broad industry information, as well as our peer company analysis. Annual base salaries will continue to reflect appropriate market data, as well as individual performance of assigned responsibilities and changes in the scope of responsibilities. Targeted performance criteria vary for each executive officer based on his or her respective area of responsibility. Subjective performance criteria include an executive officer’s ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; manage his or her area of responsibility effectively and efficiently; interface with market and regulatory bodies in his or her jurisdiction; and collaborate with other executive officers to enhance the overall growth and success of the Company. The compensation committee does not use a specific formula based on these targeted performance and subjective criteria, but instead makes an evaluation of each executive officer’s contributions in light of all such criteria. No increase from 2016 executive officer base salary has occurred or is planned for 2017, except that one executive officer’s base salary is expected to increase in 2017 to reflect new job responsibilities.

Bonuses .   Bonus incentives are generally paid annually and are tied to meeting established budget targets of consolidated EBITDA, pre-consolidation revenue and net debt. For these purposes, consolidated EBITDA is calculated using the formula set forth in our credit facilities. Bonus levels as a percentage of base pay are established for each executive officer by the compensation committee based on broad industry norms and are approved by the Board. In 2015 and 2016, the targeted consolidated EBITDA levels were $29.0 million and $28.3 million, respectively. Our Chief Executive Officer’s and Chief Financial Officer’s performance bonus potential was 54% and 37%, respectively, of their annual base salary in 2015, all of which was equity-based compensation with scheduled annual vesting over three years. Our Chief Executive Officer’s and Chief Financial Officer’s performance bonus potential was 48% and 33%, respectively, of their annual base salary in 2016, all of which was again equity-based compensation with scheduled annual vesting over three years. In 2015, performance bonus potential for other members of the executive management team was 27% of annual base salary. In 2016, performance bonus potential for other members of the executive management team ranged from 7% to 12% of annual base salary. Based on predetermined performance ranges, there may not be bonus payouts or bonus payouts may vary from an aggregate of 75% to 110% of targeted bonus levels. The Company’s consolidated EBITDA performance for 2016 was 90% of its targeted level. Bonus amounts may be adjusted downward based on a combination of corporate and individual performance characteristics as determined by our Chief Executive Officer and confirmed by the compensation committee once audited financial results are available for the previous year. In 2016, our Chief Executive Officer evaluated all senior executives’ individual contribution and provided them with feedback.

Employee Benefits .   In 2016, we provided all employees with a benefits package that included health care and life and disability insurance, with a dental and vision care option. The Company pays for the majority of individual employee coverage while the cost of family coverage is borne primarily by the employee. Employees may participate in either of two high-deductible health plan options that are provided and can enroll in a health savings account. Employees may also elect to participate in additional coverage, as well as make pre-tax contributions to a flexible savings account. In 2016, we matched 75% of employees’ contributions to a 401(k) savings plan for up to 6% of their compensation, and this remains the same in 2017. Each named executive officer currently employed by the Company also receives the use of a Company-provided vehicle.

Restatement of Results

If we restate results which materially change the performance measures used for executive compensation, appropriate adjustments would be made to executive compensation.

Compensation of Chief Executive Officer

The compensation committee believes that Mr. Souza’s annual compensation for 2016 was set and Mr. Souza’s annual compensation for 2017 is set at a level that is competitive with other companies in our industry, based on industry comparisons and taking into consideration the effectiveness of Mr. Souza’s leadership of the Company and our success in attaining our goals. The Board concurs with this view.

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Federal Tax Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“ Section 162(m) ”) limits us to a deduction for federal income tax purposes of no more than $1 million of compensation paid to certain named executive officers in a taxable year. However, compensation above $1 million may be deducted if it is “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m).

At the present time, the compensation committee believes that it is unlikely that the compensation paid to any named executive officer will exceed $1 million in a taxable year. The compensation committee intends to continue to evaluate the effects of Section 162(m) and any applicable Treasury regulations and will grant compensation awards in the future in a manner consistent with our best interests.

Consideration of Prior Stockholder Votes Regarding Executive Compensation

At the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 13, 2016, we held an advisory vote on executive compensation. Approximately 82.1% of the votes cast at that meeting approved the compensation of our named executives. At that meeting, our stockholders also voted on a new stock incentive plan, which plan was not approved by our stockholders. The compensation committee considered the results of these votes when determining the Company’s 2017 compensation policies.

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Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our Principal Executive Officer and our two other most highly-paid executive officers (based on total compensation for 2016) during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016.

(1)

Mr. Souza does not receive any compensation for his services as a director.

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(2)

Mr. Garner does not receive any compensation for his services as a director.

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(3)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units that were granted under the Otelco Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ 2014 Incentive Plan ”) in 2015 and 2016, which vest annually over a three-year period. For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation of the restricted stock units, see Note 15, Stock Plans and Stock Associated with Acquisition , to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. If the highest level of performance conditions had been achieved in 2015 and 2016, the value of the restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Souza, Garner and Andrews on the date of grant would have been $198,344, $95,849 and $61,970 for 2015 and $180,303, $87,437 and $56,531 for 2016, respectively.

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(4)

Reflects the value of our matching contribution to our 401(k) plan and the value of the individual’s personal use of a Company-provided vehicle.

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Restricted Stock Unit Grants

On May 13, 2016, restricted stock unit grants were made under the 2014 Incentive Plan to each of the named executive officers, as well as certain other executive officers and members of our management. The specific number of shares to be issued upon the vesting of such restricted stock units depended upon our achievement of certain performance metrics with respect to the year ended December 31, 2016. Specifically, 25% of the shares that were eligible to vest depended upon the achievement of certain pre-consolidation revenue levels, 25% of the shares that were eligible to vest depended upon the achievement of certain net debt levels and 50% of the shares that were eligible to vest depended upon the achievement of certain consolidated EBITDA levels. With respect to the pre-consolidation revenue performance metric, no shares would vest if pre-consolidation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, was less than $73.9 million, the target amount of shares would vest if pre-consolidation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $78.6 million and the maximum number of shares would vest if pre-consolidation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $80.5 million or more. With respect to the net debt performance metric, no shares would vest if net debt as of December 31, 2016, was more than $90.2 million, the target amount of shares would vest if net debt as of December 31, 2016, was $87.9 million and the maximum number of shares would vest if net debt as of December 31, 2016, was no more than $87.2 million. With respect to the consolidated EBITDA performance metric, no shares would vest if consolidated EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016, was less than $26.6 million, the target amount of shares would vest if consolidated EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $28.4 million and the maximum number of shares would vest if consolidated EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $29.0 million or more. Based on the Company’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2016, with respect to the

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pre-consolidation revenue metric, 85% of the target amount of shares will vest, with respect to the net debt performance metric, 110% of the target amount of shares will vest and, with respect to the consolidated EBITDA performance metric, 90% of the target amount of shares will vest, meaning that 93.7% of the total target amount of shares eligible for vesting under the restricted stock units will vest. The shares to be issued upon the vesting of the restricted stock units vest in three equal installments on March 13, 2017, March 13, 2018 and March 12, 2019.

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2016

(1)

Represents restricted stock units that were granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan in 2014 that remained unvested at December 31, 2016. The restricted stock units that remained unvested on December 31, 2016 vested on March 13, 2017.

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(2)

Represents restricted stock units that were granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan in 2015. The restricted stock units that remained unvested on December 31, 2016 vest in two equal installments on March 13, 2017 and March 13, 2018.

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(3)

Represents restricted stock units that were granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan in 2016. The restricted stock units vest in three equal installments on March 13, 2017, March 13, 2018 and March 12, 2019.

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Pension Benefits

We do not have any pension plans.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

We do not have any non-qualified deferred compensation.

Management Employment and Severance Agreements

Agreement with Robert J. Souza.    We entered into a third amended and restated employment agreement with Robert J. Souza on December 10, 2014, effective January 1, 2015, which will remain in effect unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Souza for any reason or by death or disability. Under this agreement, Mr. Souza will receive an annual base salary of  $350,000, an annual bonus, the use of a Company automobile and standard medical and other benefits in 2017.

If we terminate Mr. Souza’s employment without cause, or due to death or disability, he will be entitled to receive severance benefits consisting of a lump sum payment equal to 1.5 times his annual base salary, a lump sum payment equal to 24 times the monthly premium cost for Mr. Souza and his family to continue to participate in the Company’s welfare and benefit plans and a lump sum payment equal to the pro rata portion of the annual bonus he would have received, based on the applicable annual performance targets, if he had been employed by the Company through the end of the full fiscal year in which the termination occurred. Mr. Souza’s employment agreement provides that he will be restricted from engaging in competitive activities for 18 months after the termination of his employment.

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The term “without cause” is defined in Mr. Souza’s agreement as a termination for any reason other than (1) conviction of a felony, stolen funds or other fraudulent conduct; (2) willful misconduct or gross negligence materially injurious to the Company; (3) failure or refusal to comply with directions of the Board; or (4) a breach of the terms of his employment agreement. Termination as a result of a change of control of the Company would be considered “without cause.” The term “death or disability” means the death of Mr. Souza or Mr. Souza’s inability to perform his duties and obligations for any 90 days during a period of 180 consecutive days due to mental or physical incapacity.

Agreement with Curtis L. Garner, Jr .   We entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Curtis L. Garner, Jr. on March 11, 2009, effective January 1, 2009, which agreement was amended on March 5, 2010, effective January 1, 2010, and which will remain in effect unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Garner for any reason or by death or disability. Under this agreement, as amended, Mr. Garner will receive an annual base salary of  $250,000, an annual bonus, the use of a Company automobile and standard medical and other benefits in 2017.

If we terminate Mr. Garner’s employment without cause or due to death or disability, he will be entitled to receive severance benefits consisting of a lump sum payment equal to his annual base salary and a lump sum payment equal to the pro rata portion of the annual bonus he would have received, based on the applicable annual performance targets, if he had been employed by the Company through the end of the full fiscal year in which the termination occurred. Mr. Garner’s employment agreement provides that he will be restricted from engaging in competitive activities for six months after the termination of his employment.

The term “without cause” is defined in Mr. Garner’s agreement as a termination for any reason other than (1) conviction of a felony, stolen funds or other fraudulent conduct; (2) willful misconduct or gross negligence materially injurious to the Company; (3) failure or refusal to comply with directions of the Board; or (4) a breach of the terms of his employment agreement. Termination as a result of a change of control of the Company would be considered “without cause.” The term “death or disability” means the death of Mr. Garner or Mr. Garner’s inability to perform his duties and obligations for any 90 days during a period of 180 consecutive days due to mental or physical incapacity.

Agreements with Dennis K. Andrews .   We entered into an employment agreement with Dennis K. Andrews during 2006, which agreement was amended on March 4, 2011, effective January 1, 2011, and which will remain in effect unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Andrews for any reason or by death or disability. Under this agreement, Mr. Andrews’ annual bonus is targeted to be no greater than 38% of his annual base salary.

If we terminate Mr. Andrews’ employment without cause, he will be entitled to receive severance benefits consisting of his annual base salary for six months following the date of his termination plus the pro rata portion of the annual bonus he would have received, based on the applicable annual performance targets, had he been employed by us through the end of the full fiscal year in which the termination occurred. Mr. Andrews’ employment agreement provides that he will be restricted from engaging in competitive activities for six months after the termination of his employment.

The terms “without cause” and “death or disability” have the same meanings in Mr. Andrews’ employment agreement as such terms have in Mr. Souza’s and Mr. Garner’s employment agreements.

Estimated Potential Termination Payments .   The table below provides estimates of the value of payments and benefits that would become payable if the named executive officers were terminated in the manner described below, in each case based on the assumptions described in the table’s notes.

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(1)

All data in the table reflects estimates of the value of payments and benefits assuming the named executive officer was terminated on December 31, 2016. Disability benefit plan payments available to all employees are not included.

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(2)

The amounts listed in this column would not be payable if the named executive officer voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause.

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(3)

Represents shares underlying restricted stock units. For purposes of this table, each share is valued at $6.35, which was the closing market price per share on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 30, 2016 (the last business day of 2016).

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2005. Prior to joining Legg Mason, Mr. Frost was a Managing Director in the Communications Group at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and started his investment banking career at The First Boston Corporation. Mr. Frost’s experience in the telecommunication industry brings us important telecommunication knowledge, and his investment banking experience provides insight into acquisitions and structuring debt and equity transactions, each of which makes him a valuable asset to the Board, the compensation committee (which he chairs) and the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Curtis L. Garner, Jr. joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer on February 2, 2004, and was elected a director of the Company on May 14, 2015. During his tenure, the Company made its initial public offering, completed an additional stock offering, acquired and integrated five companies, negotiated five credit facilities and restructured its balance sheet. Prior to joining the Company, he provided consulting services to a number of businesses and not-for-profit organizations from October 2002. He served the company now known as Premiere Global from November 1997 through September 2002 (including one year as a consultant), first as President of its Premiere Communications division, and later as Chief Administrative Officer of its VoiceCom division. Prior thereto, he spent approximately 26 years at AT&T Corp., retiring in 1997 as the Chief Financial Officer of the Southern and Southwestern Regions of AT&T Corp.’s consumer long distance business. The Board believes that Mr. Garner’s extensive experience in all facets of telecommunication and his knowledge of the Company make him a valuable asset to the Board.

Howard J. Haug was appointed as a director of the Company on December 21, 2004 upon the closing of our initial public offering. Mr. Haug has served as Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer of Space Florida, an independent district and subdivision of the State of Florida that is responsible for promoting and developing Florida’s aerospace industry, since December 2011. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight of Space Florida’s assets and investments. From September 2007 to December 2011, he served as Space Florida’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Space Florida, he was Chief Financial Officer of Healthfair USA, a privately held mobile preventive health care screening company, from April 2007 to September 2007 and Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Enterprise Florida from March 2003 to April 2007. As Chief Financial Officer for each of the listed entities, he was responsible for all financial matters including reporting, financial planning, budgeting, treasury functions and operations results analysis. Before joining Enterprise Florida, he spent 13 years with AT&T’s BellSouth unit. Prior to his career with BellSouth, he worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young and is a certified public accountant. His roles at Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, BellSouth and at PricewaterhouseCoopers included management responsibility of merger and acquisition activities, public placement of stock and debt and regulatory reporting. He serves as one of our audit committee financial experts. Mr. Haug’s experience with AT&T brings important telecommunication knowledge to the Company. His credentials as a certified public accountant and work as a chief financial officer of various entities makes him a valuable asset to the Board, the audit committee (which he chairs) and the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Stephen P. McCall was appointed Chairman of the Board on June 18, 2013. Mr. McCall has served as a director of the Company and its predecessor Rural LEC Acquisition LLC since January 1999 and served as Chairman of the Board of Rural LEC Acquisition LLC until the closing of our initial public offering on December 21, 2004. He has more than 15 years of private equity investing experience focused on growth capital and buyout investments in the telecommunications sector. He founded and is currently a Managing Member of Blackpoint Equity Partners LLC, a private equity investment firm. Prior to founding Blackpoint, he was a General Partner at Seaport Capital, a private equity investment firm, where he was employed from 1997 through 2007. Previously, Mr. McCall worked at Patricof  & Co. Ventures, a private equity investment firm, and Montgomery Securities in the Corporate Finance Department. Mr. McCall is a director of several private companies. In addition, from November 2009 to May 2011, Mr. McCall was a director of Ambassadors International, Inc. and from July 2010 to February 2016, he was a director of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. Mr. McCall’s experience in private equity investing and portfolio management, which is focused on the telecommunications industry, provides relevant insight into analyzing potential acquisitions, raising equity, debt financing and advising on Company strategy, making him a valuable asset to the Board and to the compensation committee.

Brian A. Ross has served as a director of the Company since May 24, 2013. Mr. Ross is the Principal of Mid-Market Growth Partners, which provides rigorous analytical tools and shepherds its clients’ strategies into financial results. Between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Ross was an independent consultant. Until 2012, Mr. Ross served as President and Chief Executive Officer of KnowledgeWorks, an educational non-profit that provides innovative teaching pedagogies. Prior to joining KnowledgeWorks, Mr. Ross served both as

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Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer during a 13-year tenure at Cincinnati Bell. He serves on the Board of Directors for Alaska Communications, where he is a member of the audit committee and is the chairperson of the compensation committee, and Journal Media Group. He also serves as a director, audit committee chair and compensation committee member of Healthwarehouse.com and served as a director, audit committee chair and compensation committee member of JournalMedia (formerly JMG) from 2015 to 2016, He serves as one of our audit committee financial experts. Mr. Ross’ experience as a senior officer with Cincinnati Bell, and his other experience in the telecommunication industry, gives him important telecommunication knowledge, making him a valuable asset to the Board, the audit committee and the compensation committee.

Robert J. Souza was appointed our Chief Executive Officer and elected a director of the Company effective January 1, 2015. Prior to assuming the Chief Executive Officer title, he served as and still is our President, a position he assumed in May 2014. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of our New England division. Mr. Souza was President of Pine Tree Networks from 2001 until it was acquired by the Company in 2008. Mr. Souza began his telecommunication career with New England Telephone in 1973, and his more than 40 years of experience includes positions with Ooltewah-Collegedale Telephone Company in Tennessee and Saco River Telephone in Maine. His background in both technology and operations, as well as his extensive experience with the Company and in the telecommunication industry, make him not only an effective leader of the business but also an effective director.

Gary L. Sugarman has served as a director of the Company since May 24, 2013. Mr. Sugarman is Managing Member of Richfield Capital Partners, a venture fund formed in May 2010 to provide working capital investments in the technology/media sectors and a principal of Richfield Associates, a telecom investment/merchant bank which he founded in 1993. Mr. Sugarman is currently an investor/advisor with Dezignable, Inc., an online curated product and services marketplace for furnishing work, social and living spaces based in Seattle, Washington. Over a 20-year period, Mr. Sugarman has invested in and operated numerous telecom/data companies through these entities. Mr. Sugarman sits on the Board of Directors of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a publicly-traded telecom company with both wireless and wireline assets, and LICT Corp., which owns telecom operating companies and other telecom assets. Mr. Sugarman was, from November 2010 to April 2013, Executive Chairman/Investor — FXecosystem Inc., a private company based in London, and, from 2007 until 2010, Executive Chairman/Investor — Veroxity Technology Partners, a metro fiber provider in Boston. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Mid Maine Communications, a facilities-based telecommunication company he co-founded in 1994, until its sale in 2006 to Otelco. Mr. Sugarman’s experience in the telecommunication industry brings us important telecommunication knowledge and his investment experience provides insight into acquisitions and structuring debt and equity transactions, each of which makes him a valuable asset to the Board, the nominating and corporate governance committee (which he chairs) and the audit committee.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.

Independence of Directors

Messrs. Frost, Haug, McCall, Ross and Sugarman have no involvement with any company or individual that is a supplier, consultant or customer of the Company, do not serve in any additional paid advisory capacity with the Company and are independent directors under the Exchange Act rules and the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing rules. There are no family relationships among any of our directors and/or any of our executive officers.

The Reorganization Cases

On March 24, 2013, the Company and each of its then direct and indirect subsidiaries (together with the Company, the “ Debtors ”) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization (the “ Reorganization Cases ”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) in order to effectuate the Debtors’ joint prepackaged plan of reorganization (the “ Plan ”). On May 6, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan. On May 24, 2013, the Debtors substantially consummated their reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by the Plan, and the Plan became effective pursuant to its terms. On August 22, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court issued a final decree closing the Reorganization Cases.

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Proposal 4
   
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF HOLDING FUTURE ADVISORY
VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF OTELCO’S NAMED EXECUTIVES

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking stockholders to vote, on an advisory basis, on whether future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers should occur every year, every two years or every three years. In satisfaction of this requirement, stockholders are being asked to vote on the following advisory resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders advise that an advisory vote on the compensation of Otelco Inc.’s named executive officers should be presented every one, two or three years, as reflected by their votes for each of these alternatives in connection with this resolution.”

Otelco’s executive compensation is designed to incent both current performance against specific objectives and a long-term focus on positioning the Company for the future. Information is made available to stockholders annually. We believe that an annual advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is consistent with our corporate governance and executive compensation philosophy and practice.

You may vote, on an advisory basis, to have the vote on the compensation of our named executive officers held annually, every two years or every three years, or you may abstain. This is not a vote to approve or disapprove executive compensation. The vote is advisory and non-binding and will be considered by the compensation committee in recommending future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers.

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Address Change? Mark box, sign, and indicate changes below: ☐

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

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OTELCO INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Thursday, May 11, 2017
11:00 a.m. local time

Dorsey & Whitney LLP
51 West 52 nd Street
9 th Floor
New York, New York 10019

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS – MAY 11, 2017

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OTELCO INC.

The undersigned stockholder of Otelco Inc. (the “Company”) hereby appoints Robert J. Souza and Curtis L. Garner, Jr., and each of them, as true and lawful proxies with full power of substitution for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, to represent and vote, as designated below, all of the Class A common stock of the Company held of record by the undersigned on March 13, 2017 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the offices of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 51 West 52 nd Street, 9 th Floor, New York, New York 10019, at 11:00 a.m. local time on May 11, 2017, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, upon all matters that may properly come before the meeting, including all matters described in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement dated April 6, 2017, subject to any directions noted on the reverse side of this proxy card. If any nominee for director should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, the foregoing proxy holders will vote for election of a substitute nominee proposed by management.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, the proxy will be voted: FOR the election of all nominees for director; FOR Proposal 2; FOR Proposal 3; and for an ANNUAL advisory vote on the compensation of Otelco’s named executives . Should any other matter requiring a vote of the stockholders arise, the proxies named above are authorized to vote in accordance with their best judgment in the interest of the Company. The tabulator cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this proxy card.

See reverse for voting instructions.