Telecommunications and Cable Television Law |
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We offer extensive experience and deep knowledge of the laws, regulations, and practical concerns facing the telecommunications industry and governmental entities that regulate and contract with the industry. We represent governments and private telecommunications providers on all issues affecting the provision of telecom service to the public from POTS (”plain old telephone service”) to PANS (”pretty advanced new stuff”) and everything in between. Our lawyers have experience as government regulators, and first amendment lawyers. Our in-depth understanding of the industry’s operations and technology, local, state and federal regulations, and our relationships with state and federal regulators enable to provide our clients with the highest level of service and advice.
We assist public and private clients with the full range of telecommunication law matters including:
- Telecom litigation
- FCC filings and regulations
- First amendment issues
- Right-of-way management
- Competitive cable franchising
- Franchise renewals
- Telecommunications planning
- Municipal broadband
- Wireless systems
- Radio
- Fiber optic telecommunications networks
- Cellular tower siting
- Tower leasing
- Pole attachment negotiations
- Public safety communications
- Leasing and zoning issues
- Transfers of ownership
Examples of the types of transactions we have handled include structuring, negotiating and executing:
- Contracts with cable television operators, satellite service providers, wireless and hard-wired telephone companies, wireless access providers, cellular phone companies and telephone companies providing video services.
- Private bulk service and other agreements with telecom providers on behalf of cities, homeowners and condo associations and developers
- Programming and leased access agreements with cable systems on behalf of programmers.
- Enforcement of federal “must carry” regulations and retransmission consent arrangements on behalf of programmers seeking carriage on cable systems
Broadband WiFi and New Technologies
As technology continues to evolve, our attorneys remain focused on how these technologies impact and create opportunities for private industry and local governments. Our attorneys are involved in shaping State and Federal laws that impact the offering of broadband and WiFi services and other new technologies. We represent cities and the industry in creating and responding to requests for proposals and negotiating agreements relating to broadband services, including WiFi services, DSL, VOIP, broadband over power lines, or other new technologies, and we are well equipped to advise public and private clients on issues involving competition, compensation, rights of way management, consumer protection, public safety, and revenue opportunities.
