Firms To Watch: Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory

Best Best & Krieger LLP‘s team is led by Gail Karish from Los Angeles, with and Tillman Lay, Gerard Lavery Lederer and Cheryl Leanza being key names in Washington DC.

Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory in United States

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s team, which remains at the forefront of the telecoms sector, is primarily based in Washington DC. From DC, Michael Senkowski and Nancy Victory helm the telecoms group and handle the firm’s highest-profile matters, a key example being their acting for T-Mobile and Verizon in multiple ongoing acquisitions. At the same office, Peter Karanjia is head of the administrative law appellate practice and brings a wealth of regulatory expertise from his time at the FCC, while Eric DeSilva specializes in matters relating to spectrum allocations, spectrum auctions, technical interference claims, wireless transactions and general compliance. Based in San Francisco and Seattle respectively, Kristin Jacobson undertakes communications, regulatory, compliance, policy and transactional matters, while Ariel Diamond West frequently handles transactions requiring FCC approval. Also in DC, Michael Hazzard is noted for his work on infrastructure, transactions and licensing matters, Ian Forbes fields a considerable workload including advising clients on domestic and international regulatory compliance issues, and Peter Shroyer’s FCC background sees that he is well-placed to advise on FCC regulatory compliance cases. Tony Lin left the firm in September 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nancy Victory; Michael Senkowski


 


Autres avocats clés:

Eric DeSilva; Peter Karanjia; Kristin Jacobson; Ariel Diamond West; Ian Forbes; Peter Shroyer; Michael Hazzard


Les références

‘Very focused approach to problem-solving with issues addressed knowledgeably and succinctly.’

‘Michael Senkowski has an unbelievable ability to provide concise and strategic advice on multi-faceted problems. He has an unmatched ability to develop an approach that mitigates effects on our company while simultaneously being acceptable to government regulators.’

‘Nancy Victory is well-recognized as being one of the top practitioners in the telecoms field, especially as it relates to mergers and acquisitions. ‘

Principaux clients

T-Mobile USA, Inc.


Verizon Communications Inc.


América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V.


CTIA-The Wireless Association


Motorola Solutions, Inc.


Ooredoo Group


Globalstar


Open AI


Deere & Company


Satelio IoT Services USA, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising T-Mobile on all regulatory aspects of its proposed acquisition of the wireless operations of UScellular, the largest regional wireless provider in the US valued at $4.4bn.
  • Defending T-Mobile in more than 25 lawsuits and government investigations arising out of a major California wildfire—the October 2020 “Silverado Fire.”
  • Advising Verizon with respect to obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its proposed acquisition of Frontier Communications, a transaction valued at approximately $20bn.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Based in Washington DC, Hogan Lovells US LLP‘s team harnesses particular expertise in the space and satellite sector. The team assists its reputable clients with complex regulatory matters including spectrum auctions, licensing and allocation issues. Ari Fitzgerald leads the team and provides advice on business-critical regulatory and transactional matters. Michele Farquhar’s FCC background enables her to provide complex regulatory advice; Farquhar advises high-profile international clients on strategic regulatory matters. Mark Brennan handles regulatory consultations, compliance and government investigations and enforcement matters. North Virginia-based Randy Segal is uniquely placed to undertake the full range of matters for space and satellite operators, investors and tech providers. Steven Kaufman undertakes mandates for investors in NewSpace transactions, while Alexis Sáinz is also well-reputed within the satellite industry and specializes in advising on local regulatory requirements, cross-border commercial agreements and international governmental negotiations. Katy Milner has significant capabilities in emerging tech. John Castle and George John are also recommended. All mentioned attorneys bar Segal are based at the DC office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ari Fitzgerald


 


Autres avocats clés:

Michele Farquhar; Mark Brennan; Steven Kaufman; Katy Milner; John Castle; George John; Randy Segal; Alexis Sáinz; Stephen Propst; David Fritz


Les références

‘The collective knowledge and impactful network Hogan Lovells offers, specifically in the space industry, is truly what differentiates this firm from others.’

‘Every partner and associate I’ve worked with has been beyond impressive. They’re so well-integrated into the ecosystem and lead all major discussion topics. We would be strategically at a disadvantage if we were not working with Hogan.’

‘Randy Segal is an incredible overall leader, she made various strategic introductions for our company for commercial partnership opportunities.’

Principaux clients

SES S.A.


Florida Power & Light Company


Newspace clients


SNR Wireless


Vodafone and Vodafone Americas


T-Mobile US


Gogo


Advance Publications


Pavlov Media, Inc.


Leading Trade Associations


Virgin Orbit


Airbus


Rivada Space Networks


Chamber of Progress


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing SES SA in its acquisition of competitor Intelsat SA.
  • Advising SNR Wireless before the FCC and federal courts. Convinced the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to seek dismissal of a False Claims Act case seeking damages against SNR, DISH Networks and other defendants of roughly $10bn.
  • Advised the client on a number of AI and cybersecurity matters, including federal and state agency proceedings and rulemakings.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s team advises clients including broadband service providers, telecoms carriers and providers of network infrastructure on the full range of regulatory matters. Matthew A. Brill leads the team from Washington DC and serves a number of prominent telecoms, broadcast and tech companies on a wide variety of regulatory and litigation matters. James H. Barker boasts over 30 years’ experience advising on the administrative regulation of wireless communications tech, as well as on the drafting of telecoms and satellite laws and regulations. Matthew T. Murchison routinely represents clients before the FCC regarding such complex topics as net neutrality and low-earth orbit satellite broadband networks. Sarang (Sy) Damle specializes in advising clients before the Copyright Office, the Copyright Royalty Board and the DOJ, with particular expertise in the regulations surrounding the digital music streaming industry. Elizabeth R. Park excels in regulatory policy issues and matters related to the FCC and the 'Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the US Telecommunications Services'. Alli Stillman is well-regarded for her work as a copyright litigator and is a key contact for clients in the tech, and media and entertainment sectors especially.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew A. Brill


Autres avocats clés:

James H. Barker; Matthew T. Murchison; Sarange (Sy) Damle; Elizabeth R. Park; Alli Stillman


Les références

‘Matthew A. Brill and Matthew T. Murchison are two of the brightest minds in DC tackling regulatory litigation strategies.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Serving as the lead advocate for the cable industry before the FCC and courts of appeal on the agency’s renewed adoption of “open Internet” or “net neutrality” rules, which have significant implications for the entire broadband industry.
  • Representing the leading associations for the cable, telecom, and wireless industries together with affiliated state-level organizations, in an appellate challenge seeking to invalidate the FCC’s 2023 Data Breach Order.
  • Advised clients on all aspects of the FCC rulemaking prohibiting digital discrimination.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP

Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP‘s Washington DC-based group undertakes the range of complex matters at both federal and state level. The group has capabilities handling cybersecurity, licensing, corporate, contractual and transactional matters as well as litigation proceedings. Bryan Tramont and Christine Crowe co-lead the team; Tramont boasts expertise in assisting clients with spectrum management, transactional and strategic advocacy before regulatory agencies, while Crowe advises clients on M&A, spectrum leasing and transactional cases. Adam Krinsky provides strategic, legal and policy advice to an impressive range of communications providers and industry trade associations. FCC expert Jennifer Tatel handles transactions, media issues, video competition, administrative law and privacy work. Phil Marchesiello specializes in negotiating enterprise-level IT and telecoms agreements and infrastructure deployment contracts, while Clete Johnson specializes in cybersecurity policy and Rachel Wolkowitz advises clients working with new tech on regulatory processes. Kara Graves, June 2024-arrival Sean Spivey and Daniel Kahn are also key contacts for telecoms firms facing regulatory issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bryan Tramont; Christine Crowe


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Krinsky; Jennifer Tatel; Phil Marchesiello; Clete Johnson; Rachel Wolkowitz; Kara Graves; Sean Spivey; Daniel Kahn


Les références

‘Arguably the top telecom firm in DC.’

‘Incredible depth and breadth coupled with a very personable team.’

‘Bryan Tramont arguably is the dean of the telecoms bar.’

Principaux clients

Broadcast Regulatory Clients


Comcast Corporation


Consumer Technology Association


Cox Enterprises, Inc.


CTIA


Iridium Communications Inc.


Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.


Post Road Group


Satellite and earth station operators, including EchoStar; Iridium; Lynk Global, Inc.; Sirius XM; WorldVu Satellites Limited (OneWeb), among others.


United States Cellular Corporation (“UScellular”) |UScellular and Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”)


USTelecom-The Broadband Association


Verizon


Principaux dossiers


Cooley LLP

Cooley LLP’s team is based in Washington DC and is well-placed to represent satellite, broadcast and telecoms clients before the FCC. The team is headed up by Robert McDowell who harnesses experience in such FCC work. Travis LeBlanc specializes in crisis management, internal investigations, national security matters and complex litigation, while J.G. Harrington offers advice on the regulations affecting transactions, compliance and bankruptcies, as well as on the development of new products and services. Jason Rademacher routinely represents broadcast, cable, telecoms, tech and new media companies before the FCC and Henry Wendel has a particular focus on transformative transactions and critical advocacy issues. Christy Burrow and Belen Crisp are also standout members of the team. Team changes include the retirement of Michael Basile and the September 2024 arrival of Tony Lin, Ronald Del Sesto and Tamar Finn.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert McDowell


Autres avocats clés:

Travis LeBlanc; J.G. Harrington; Jason Rademacher; Henry Wendel; Christy Burrow; Belen Crisp; Tony Lin; Ronald Del Sesto; Tamar Finn


Principaux clients

Gray Television


Echostar


Hughes


Axiom Space


TWN Communications


Iridium Communications


Midcontinent Communications


oneNav


Varda Space


Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)


CBS and FOX Affiliates Boards


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing the client in obtaining authorization for granting an extension of the FCC’s authority to conduct auctions for spectrum licenses and in litigation in Washington state courts.
  • Representing Iridium Communications in its acquisition of Satelles.
  • Advising Gray Television in broadcast transactions and obtaining a first-of-its-kind waiver from the FCC to permit a station sale to occur.

Dentons

Located in Washington DC, the team at Dentons handles a vast array of telecoms matters in both national and international contexts and is noted for its knowledge of ‘complex legislative areas’. The group provides advice on the development of product and service strategies, on obtaining licenses, and on privacy and data security frameworks. Further, it handles the range of complex regulatory matters. Todd Daubert heads up the practice and harnesses significant engineering experience and assists clients with both transactional and regulatory issues. Lauren Wilson is another name to note; Wilson specializes in TCPA matters and has notable FCC experience, she also has experience assisting with infrastructure projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Todd Daubert


Autres avocats clés:

Lauren Wilson


Les références

‘Todd Daubert and Lauren Wilson are highly commercial and provide prompt, practical advice in a complex legislative areas.’

‘Dentons has a wide rage of attorneys who can handle all types of cases. We’ve found them to be a one-stop-shop for our legal needs.’

‘Todd Daubert is an excellent resource for matters concerning the Federal Communications Commission. He know their bureaucratic procedures well and has been instrumental in helping us to navigate our legal issues.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on all telecoms, tech and privacy issues associated with the successful construction, launch and continued operation of a stadium in California.
  • Represented the client in the process of transitioning services from Neustar to iconectiv and negotiated the privacy and data security provisions of the agreement with iconectiv and secured FCC approval.
  • Negotiated the agreement for the establishment of a platform pursuant to which the client will acquire satellite ground station equipment.

Jones Day

Jones Day‘s team represents a range of communications clients in telecoms contexts, from manufacturers to wireless and wireline carriers. The team has a wealth of experience in satellite communications law and has particular expertise carrying out high-profile litigation, notably in mandates involving the FCC and the TCPA. Donald McGahn and Françoise Labrousse co-lead the team from Washington DC and Paris respectively. Bruce Olcott focuses on wireless and wireline services, assisting clients with government investigations into potential regulation violations, and in negotiations with federal agencies regarding national security concerns. Olcott also caters to multi-jurisdictional clients, offering advice on international regulatory and licensing requirements. Brett Shumate is a litigation specialist who handles crisis, enforcement and class action litigation. Jennifer Everett left the firm in May 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Donald McGahn; Françoise Labrousse


Autres avocats clés:

Bruce Olcott; Brett Shumate


Les références

‘The Jones Day team is highly collaborative. They work hard to understand a client’s core business and business models and to apply that effectively to the legal work they are performing.’

‘Sound, practical counsel that takes into account economic and business realities.’

Principaux clients

Intelsat US LLC


Axon Enterprise Inc.


Terran Orbital


Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre


The Boeing Company


Colt Technology Services


KVH Industries


Teledyne Technologies


PIMCO Investment Management Company


National Republican Senatorial Committee


Oncor Electric


State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Advocacy


Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Intelsat US LLC in the negotiation and drafting of agreements for the joint development of novel space projects, such as the in-orbit servicing and life extension of geostationary satellites.
  • Assisting Terran Orbital with securing domestic and international regulatory approvals for its acquisition by Lockheed Martin Corporation and other regulatory compliance matters involving its fleet of small satellites.
  • Representing a couple whose son committed suicide due to cyberbullying in legal challenges to the FCC’s authorization of Universal Service funding to support the installation of Wi-Fi systems on school buses, which enables students to have unsupervised access to social media.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP‘s Washington DC-based practice offers advice on the wide range of regulatory matters affecting the telecoms, broadcast and satellite sectors. Its workload ranges from obtaining FCC licences for streaming services, to advising on M&A regulatory requirements. Sherrese Smith has significant FCC expertise and leads the group; Smith’s practice includes advising on media, communications, internet, digital tech, e-commerce and data security issues. John Gasparini is well-versed in the regulatory aspects of satellite, spectrum, wireline broadband, wireless infrastructure and video programming atop his specialism in privacy-related regulatory compliance, data breach response, and in handling investigation and enforcement proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sherrese Smith


Autres avocats clés:

John Gasparini


Les références

‘Sherrese Smith is the avatar of the perpetually insightful advisor. She is perpetually in motion and responsive. She runs the firm and is her clients’ first and last call on every issue and offers a commanding voice in any storm.’

‘Sherrese Smith is emerging as THE go-to advisor in Washington—and well beyond.’

Wiley Rein LLP

The team at Wiley Rein LLP is based in Washington DC and offers advice on a wide range of regulatory, policy-related and transactional matters. Kathleen Kirby and Jennifer Hindin lead the team; Hindin has a particular focus on matters in the space and satellite industry and has experience advising existing and new communications companies, including notable satellite operators. Claire Evans is adept at securing access to infrastructure, while Christopher Huther is an expert in infrastructure-related dispute resolution. Joshua Turner has experience representing clients in FCC proceedings and Henry Gola handles a wide array of regulatory, transactional, litigation and compliance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kathleen Kirby; Jennifer Hindin


Autres avocats clés:

Claire Evans; Christopher Huther; Joshua Turner; Henry Gola; Meredith Singer; Sara Baxenberg; John Burgett


Les références

‘The team has strong, bipartisan ties to the FCC, and is able to utilize its relationships to provide unique and valuable insights on the future of regulatory policy.’

‘The team produces high-quality, responsive work product in tight timeframes. The analysis is written in a manner that is conversational (i.e., can be shared with business people) and provides a realistic assessment of risks.’

‘The premiere communications law firm in the Nation’s Capital delivering unparalleled results for clients thanks to deep expertise.’

Principaux clients

Allen Media Broadcasting


Alpha Media


AT&T


Consolidated Communications


CTIA


iHeartMedia, Inc.


Inmarsat


Internet Governance Coalition


Iridium


National Association of Broadcasters


Radio Television Digital News Association


Rhode Island PBS Foundation


United States Chamber of Commerce


Verizon Communications


Akin

Akin‘s team provides regulatory advice to clients across the telecoms sector, from satellite to emerging tech companies. The group is based in Washington DC and is led by Jennifer Richter who advises on the full spectrum of regulatory matters, including FCC proceedings, government funding and licensing matters, as well as tower and infrastructure development. Douglas Brandon has a wealth of experience handling communications matters for wireless, broadcast, satellite, telecoms and advanced tech companies. Steve Rowings undertakes various matters including FCC proceedings. Michael Mineiro has a particular focus on the regulatory issues affecting space and satellite companies. Virgina Hiner Antypas and Sharanya Sriram are also recommended. Joseph Calascione has departed the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jennifer Richter


Autres avocats clés:

Douglas Brandon; Steve Rowings; Micheal Mineiro; Virgina Hiner Antypas; Sharanya Sriram


Principaux clients

MidWave Wireless, Inc.


NextWave Holdco, LLC


Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”)


Apollo Group


BearCom Group, Inc.


Digicel Creditors


Audacy, Inc.


MatrixSpace, Inc.


Burns & McDonnell, Inc.


Mubadala


CP Media


AT&T


Metrea


The Walt Disney Company


Lyca Tel, LLC


True Anomaly


Federated Wireless


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Lyca Mobile in its settlement of claims with the FCC and DOJ regarding refusal to fulfill their contractual obligations to Lyca Mobile and their anticompetitive behavior against MVNOs.
  • Acted alongside the FCC in issuing Notices of Violation against T-Mobile for exceeding field strength limits at the borders of NextWave’s GSAs – the first enforcement of its kind taken against any wireless carrier.
     
  • Advising on wireless, licensing, policy, compliance and commercial issues for Disney, as well as transactions related to their theme parks and their wireless and broadcast assets, including for ABC and ESPN.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP‘s team offers advice on the variety of transactional and regulatory proceedings. The communications team handles transactional negotiations and regulatory due diligence matters in addition to its representing clients before the FCC. In Washington DC, Tom Cohen leads the team and specializes in FCC policy and strategic advisory work, handling wireless and wireline issues and assisting with communications policy and legislation. DC’s Chip Yorkgitis also oversees FCC policy, as well as compliance, spectrum management and allocation matters. Chicago-based Hank Kelly is well-versed handling litigation. Also in Chicago, Michael Dover advises clients on legal structures relating to existing and emerging tech and general regulatory compliance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Cohen


Autres avocats clés:

Chip Yorkgitis; Hank Kelly; Michael Dover


Les références

‘The firm has the quality of expertise necessary to effectively advocate the interests of AFTRCC before the Federal Communications Commission.’

‘Chip Yorkgitis is addressing several ongoing spectrum regulatory initiatives simultaneously. He has managed to keep up on all fronts.’

‘Kelley Drye has been a long-time advisor to our company. there is a great deal of trust that has been established over that time.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Serving as regulatory counsel for the client, advocating before the FCC, including drafting comments and participating in the meeting with FCC Commissioners and staff.
  • Serving as the client’s corporate and regulatory counsel, supporting the association in coordinating legal and policy positions, drafting and filing comments, and undertaking related activities with federal and state regulators to remove private and public barriers to deployment of all-fiber networks.
  • Advised the client and its subsidiary on the ramifications of their existing and prospective business activities from the standpoint of US regulatory law implemented by the FCC as well as on compliance with a 2016 National Security Agreement (NSA) negotiated on the companies’ behalf.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.‘s practice represents clients from across the broadband, cable, media, satellite, tech and wireless industries. Based in Washington DC, the team handles a variety of regulatory issues, from FCC work and litigation to net neutrality and broadband funding matters. Angela Y. Kung heads the group and routinely advises clients on FCC rules and regulations. Tara Corvo is an expert in legislation and regulatory policy, while T. Scott Thompson specializes in wireless and wireline matters. Dan Reing advises communications companies on regulatory and litigation issues and Christen B’anca Glenn is well-versed in regulatory, transactional and compliance matters, with a focus on new and transformative tech.

Responsables de la pratique:

Angela Y. Kung


Autres avocats clés:

Tara Corvo; T. Scott Thompson; Dan Reing; Christen B’anca Glenn


Principaux clients

A&E Networks


Altice USA


AMC Networks Inc.


Andrena


Boston College


Charter Communications, Inc.


Comcast


Cox Communications, Inc.


Crown Castle


CTIA – The Wireless Association


CX360 d/b/a Mosaicx


DIF Capital Partners


Entergy Services, Inc.


ExteNet Systems, Inc.


Fidelity Investments


FIF AireBeam


Holy Cross


Horizon Tower


Intermax Towers


Madison Square Garden


Mediacom Communications Corporation


MSG Networks


NCTA – The Internet & Television Association


Nippon Steel


SBA Communications


T-Mobile


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


TPG Capital, L.P.


Trimble Inc.


Tufts University


VERSCOM


Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.


Wi-Fi Alliance


Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has a wealth of experience representing companies in the wireline, wireless, satellite, broadband, emerging tech, equipment and video industries before the FCC and other regulatory bodies. The team is based in Washington DC and is led by Andrew D. Lipman who offers advice on all areas of communications law. Co-lead Catherine Wang practices before the FCC and handles broadband tech and spectrum policy matters, as well as licensing and M&A matters. Ulises Pin specializes in international communications, telecoms infrastructure, satellite services and emerging tech cases as well as representing clients in FCC proceedings. Russell Blau is a litigation specialist.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew D. Lipman; Catherine Wang


Autres avocats clés:

Ulises Pin; Russell Blau


Principaux clients

Quintillion


DigitalBridge Group, Inc.


EQT and T-Mobile


GI Partners Acquisitions LLC


Searchlight Capital Partners LP


Uniti Group Inc.


HRL Morrison & Co.


Zayo Group LLC


altafiber (Cincinnati Bell)


Oak Hill Capital


Liberty Latin America, Ltd.


Huawei


China Telecom


John Deere


Barclays/Bank of America


DigitalBridge Group Inc


Consolidated Telephone


Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP‘s group has particular expertise in enforcement and investigation defense matters, as well as mobile and IoT product development and market entry. The team is led by John Heitmann in Washington DC and Geof Vickers in Nashville. Heitmann has extensive experience advising clients in market entry, subsidy program participation, investigations and corporate transactions, as well as in regulatory and compliance matters. Steven Augustino is an expert in matters relating to the USF, anti-robocall tech and the TCPA. Debra McGuire Mercer covers a wide array of issues, including compliance, transactions, spectrum licensing and the marketing of radiofrequency devices. Joshua Guyan is also a name note. Unless otherwise specified, noted attorneys are based in DC.

Responsables de la pratique:

Geof Vickers; John Heitmann


Autres avocats clés:

Steven Augustino; Debra McGuire Mercer; Joshua Guyan; Michael Nemcik


Les références

‘The Nelson Mullins team brings a tremendous amount of experience in our industry. Both the longevity and depth of their experience is outstanding, and the support team is appropriately sized and skilled. ’

‘The partner team of John Heitmann, Joshua Guyan, and Debra McGuire Mercer are each outstanding, and as a team, they work very well with each other. The responsiveness from each is tremendous, and respect for the client (and any particulars of a client situation) is always evident.’

‘Steven Augustino is a very experienced and knowledgeable telecoms practitioner and has advised and represented us on FCC and other regulatory issues for years. His advice always reflects his deep knowledge of the nuances of this area of law, of which there are many. He is responsive to our questions and well-versed on the issues, and is well-supported by the Nelson Mullins team. We would recommend him highly.’

Principaux clients

National Lifeline Association (NaLA)


AMG Technology Investment Group, LLC d/b/a Nextlink Internet


American Broadband and Telecommunications Company


British Telecom


BT Americas, Inc.


Caesars Entertainment, Inc.


CGM, LLC


Community Outreach Partners


Deutsche Telekom North America Inc.


DISH Wireless LLC


Easy Wireless, LLC


Empower Success Holdings


Excess Telecom


Free Mobile


Global Connection of America


Stand Up Wireless


Prepaid Wireless Group


X Wireless


Hart Telephone Company


Insight Mobile, Inc.


i-wireless, LLC


LendingTree, LLC.


Liberty Broadband Corporation


MVNO Connects and Panda Mobile


NetNumber, Inc.


Prosper Wireless


REACH Ltd.


Red Pocket


Safetynet Wireless


Surf Telecom


Telrite Corporation


Life Wireless


PureTalk


H2O Wireless


TI Sparkle S.p.A.


Transaction Network Services, Inc. (TNS)


TruConnect Communications Inc.


Via One Services


Assist Wireless


Boomerang Wireless


Whoop Mobile


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing the National Lifeline Association in advocacy before the FCC and on Capitol Hill focused on federal and state subsidy programs  worth over $25bn.
  • Representing NetNumber, Inc. in FCC matters, including in relation to robotexts and numbering, and as a participant in CTIA’s Secure Messaging Initiative, working with CTIA and law enforcement to provide access to nnSR information used to trace unwanted spam texts to wireless numbers.
  • Advising DISH Wireless relies on compliance issues, particularly its participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program, and with representation and compliance counseling on FCC and consumer protection-related regulatory matters.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

The team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP continues to undertake a broad range of regulatory mandates for clients in the telecoms industry. Based in Washington DC, the team is headed by Scott Flick who advises on transactional, regulatory, financing, strategy and policy matters. DC-based co-head Miles Mason has extensive experience advising clients on the broad spectrum of media and tech issues, from compliance with regulatory requirements to spectrum use agreements and tower and studio leases. Located in Austin and DC, Jessica Nyman represents clients in regulatory matters before the FCC, the Copyright Royalty Board, the DOJ and federal district and appellate courts. Former practice head Glenn Richards left the firm in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Scott Flick; Miles Mason


Autres avocats clés:

Jessica Nyman; Lauren Lynch Flick


Les références

‘I have worked with this team for many years. The personal attention for our company and dedication to providing the support we need is unmatched. I am happy to endorse them and the exceptional work they do.’

‘I have worked closely with Lauren Lynch Flick and I cannot begin to describe how much she has done for us. She has always been willing to go that extra mile and give us every ounce of her support to keep our organization compliant with all state and federal regulations. I believe she truly cares about us and our industry.’

‘Excellent firm, they do a great job for us.’

Principaux clients

Standard General L.P.


Sinclair, Inc.


SP Media Group Inc.


Shield Media LLC


Illini Media Company


Bestel (USA), Inc.


ONE Media, LLC


Community News Media LLC


MediaCo Holdings Inc.


WFMJ Television, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised SP Media Group in its proposed acquisition of Paramount Global, including Paramount’s movie studio, video streaming services, and the CBS national broadcast television network and stations.
  • Advised MediaCo Holdings in its acquisition of Estrella TV’s content, digital, and commercial operations, including the EstrellaTV network and its linear and digital video content business, including its four streaming TV channels.
  • Advised Sinclair, negotiated, and drafted a variety of novel agreements connected to the deployment of NextGenTV (ATSC 3.0), including hosting and spectrum usage agreements connected to the deployment of NextGenTV in over 40 television markets, and the rollout of virtual channels for America’s local public TV stations.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

The team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is well-versed in regulatory issues affecting space and satellite companies. It also specializes in national security matters and cable infrastructure work. The Washington DC-based group is led by Brian Weimer who is well-known for his work in the satellite industry. Dave Thomas has expertise in regulations affecting broadband networks, such as network operations and security, local franchising, rights-of-way and infrastructure. Douglas Svor works with companies in the tech, telecoms, aerospace, defense and infrastructure sectors. Jodi Goldberg has particular expertise in issues surrounding the satellite, space, wireless and new tech industries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brian Weimer


Autres avocats clés:

Dave Thomas; Douglas Svor; Imad Matini; Abraham Shandeling; Hannah Wigger; Jodi Goldberg


Les références

‘Very collaborative team from the head of the group down to the associates. They manage the entire process including all the other ancillary consultants.’

‘Truly act on behalf of the client and put their clients’ interests above everything else.’

‘Sheppard Mullins are a great group of attorneys who provide extreme value to our energy development team. Their expertise in land use, development, real estate, energy contracting, permitting, interconnection, and environmental are all excellent.’

Principaux clients

Lynk Global Inc.


WorldVu Satellites Limited (d/b/a Eutelsat OneWeb)


Charter Communications


SES S.A.


Comcast Communications


Nova Labs (d/b/a Helium Mobile)


True Anomaly Space


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as regulatory counsel to Lynk Global Inc. in connection with the FCC’s ground breaking “direct to device” connectivity between satellites and mobile handsets.
  • Represented a satellite operator in its $3.4bn merger, creating one of the world’s largest, multi-orbit satellite fleets.
  • Advised Charter Communications on its nationwide initiative to expand the footprint of its networks more deeply into rural, unserved and underserved areas under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programs.

Steptoe LLP

The team at Steptoe LLP has a wealth of experience handling regulatory matters. The team is based in Washington DC and is led by Pantelis Michalopoulos who undertakes a variety of mandates from net neutrality matters to high-profile mergers. Alfred Mamlet offers strategic guidance on regulatory, transactional and litigation matters, while Christopher Bjornson is an expert in regulatory rulemaking, compliance and licensing matters. Matthew Friedman specializes in video programming copyright matters, as well as in international telecoms regulation. Andrew Golodny excels in leading investigations for telecoms transaction reviews before the DOJ and FCC. Travis West handles antitrust and tech transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pantelis Michalopoulos


Autres avocats clés:

Alfred Mamlet; Christopher Bjornson; Matthew Friedman; Andrew Golodny; Travis West


Principaux clients

EchoStar Corporation


Inmarsat


GBT Travel Services


Republic of Greece


Dish Network


Sling TV


Hughes Network Systems


SmartSky Networks


Gigatera


TIX


American Independent Media


Huber+Suhner Astrolab


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the client against nationwide lawsuits filed by municipalities seeking to impose fees on over-the-top streaming and satellite television service providers under state cable franchising laws.
  • Advised EchoStar in selling its subsidiary to DIRECTV.
  • Advised the client in its merger with its sister corporation EchoStar.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s Washington DC-based team is co-led by Michael Hurwitz  and Jonathan Friedman. Hurwitz’s work ranges from matters regarding FCC regulatory policy, to internet and programming-related litigation. Friedman also handles FCC proceedings, representing major cable operators, video programmers and equipment manufacturers therein. Melanie Medina advises on net neutrality rules, open internet rulemakings and broadband infrastructure deployment programs. Daniel Alvarez offers advice on data collection and processing activities. Mia Guizetti Hayes handles issues such as wireless and wireline competition matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jonathan Friedman; Michael Hurwitz


Autres avocats clés:

Melanie Medina; Daniel Alvarez; Mia Guizetti Hayes


Les références

‘Willkie has an extremely strong telecoms and media practice. We rely on them principally for spectrum policy matters. They are not only extremely knowledgeable about the issues but also very well-connected with relevant players at the FCC, NTIA, and elsewhere in government with responsibility for spectrum policy.’

‘Mia Guizetti Hayes is exceptionally good to work with. She is expert in spectrum policy matters, has strong political instincts, and is strong on the technical aspects of the policy questions. She also is extremely responsive to client needs and anticipates issues before they arise.’

‘The team is smart, experienced, and has deep knowledge of FCC.’

Principaux clients

Comcast Corporation


NBCUniversal


NCTA


Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘ group routinely handles a wide range of regulatory issues, including FCC auctions, as well as spectrum, dispute resolution, new tech and wireless matters. The team is based in Washington DC and is led by Mark Dever who has extensive experience working on FCC auctions. Eduardo Guzmán offers advice on regulations affecting telecoms and emerging tech, while Robert B. Kelly represents a diverse range of clients before federal and state authorities. Robert Stup focuses in large part on the impact of regulations on international, domestic and wireless telecoms providers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Dever


Autres avocats clés:

Eduardo Guzmán; Robert B. Kelly; Robert Stup


Les références

‘The team certainly has the breadth and depth in its engagement and the subject knowledge is there.’

‘They provide individualized attention and breadth of knowledge on a diverse number of topics.’

‘Eduardo Guzmán stands out because of his broad knowledge of complex and technical telecoms matters. He is always available to assist and provide guidance regarding any matter.’

Principaux clients

Relocation Payment Clearinghouse LLC


Intelligent Transportation Society of America


Puerto Rico Telephone Company d/b/a Claro


Keppel Networks


China Unicom (Americas)


Toptana Communications


Northstar Wireless, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Relocation Payment Clearinghouse LLC on administering the $15bn C-Band relocation program mandated by the US Federal Communications Commission.
  • Advising Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc. d/b/a Claro (a subsidiary of América Móvil) on several matters including the Government of Puerto Rico’s implementation of two broadband infrastructure support programs.
  • Serving as the primary regulatory counsel for China Unicom (Americas), which has included continuing to advise them on the US government efforts to limit Chinese telecoms providers’ operations in the U.S.

Telecommunications Law Professionals

Telecommunications Law Professionals‘ team is based in Washington DC and handles a wide range of regulatory matters, including FFC policy and rulemaking, compliance and complaint proceedings and contractual issues. Carl Northrop who harnesses 40 years’ experience working in telecoms co-leads alongside Michael Lazarus who acts as lead counsel for key telecoms clients. Dennis Corbett is an administrative and court litigation specialist, while Gregg Skall represents clients before the FCC. Emily Daniels has a special focus on wireline, broadband and wireless matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Lazarus; Carl Northrop


Autres avocats clés:

Dennis Corbett; Gregg Skall; Emily Daniels; Jessica DeSimone Gyllstrom


Les références

‘The team is very experienced in the telecoms field. They also have many contacts and a good relationship with the FCC, which is helpful.’

‘Knowledgeable and great value.’

‘Forward-thinking vision and approach to the industry and dealing with the dynamic regulatory landscape.’

Principaux clients

GCI Communication Corp.


Comcast Corporation


AST & Science, LLC


American Tower Corporation


Sennheiser Electronic Corporation


InnoCaption


Cloaked Wireless


Cellular South, Inc. d/b/a/ C Spire


SoniqWave Networks


New York Mobile


Radio and Television Broadcasting Associations


Benchmark Communications


FH Wavefly


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised GCI Communication Corp and its affiliate The Alaska Wireless Network on a variety of significant regulatory and contractual matters pertaining to its extensive operations in Alaska.
  • Advised Sennheiser in connection with securing rules for the operation of Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems (“WMAS”) proceeding.
  • Advised Comcast on a variety of significant regulatory and compliance matters pertaining to its extensive operations throughout the country.