Communications

Holland & Knight provides a full range of legal services and counseling in all aspects of domestic and international communications, information and content services. In an era of convergence, our communications practice encompasses regulatory, transactional, legislative and litigation services for wireless telecommunications, IP-enabled services, wireline competition, radio, television and other media, cable, satellite and spectrum-based technologies. Through our national presence and expert resources we are uniquely positioned to assist you in the development and implementation of fully integrated local, state and federal advocacy strategies to expedite achievement of business priorities. Our positioning in Mexico, Central and South America, as well as China, enables us to offer you an integrated service package tailored to meet market entry and expansion goals.

Holland & Knight lawyers regularly confront and provide solutions to business and regulatory issues at the frontiers of communications law, such as:

• responding to the regulatory, legislative, competitive and enterprise-wide implications raised by expansion of Internet Protocol-enabled technologies
• representing wireless, media and satellite licensees in all aspects of regulatory and legislative advocacy, including maintenance of needed licenses and counseling to ensure compliance with ever-changing FCC regulations
• representing local exchange and long distance telecommunications companies, both domestic and foreign, on a full range of state, federal and international regulatory and transactional matters
• advising manufacturers and importers of licensed and unlicensed radiofrequency devices, unintentional radiating devices and industrial, scientific and medical devices regarding regulatory compliance of product design and performance, procedures for obtaining equipment authorizations, compliance with export and import requirements, and licensing of experimental test and developmental programs
• managing all aspects of radio and television station acquisitions and sales; specializing in complex transactions, mergers, financing, securities and compliance with all federal regulatory requirements
• supporting international telecommunications ventures, including market entry, the construction and operation of undersea fiber optic cables, satellite and other wireless facilities, and related entity formation, financing and licensing issues
• developing enterprise-wide risk management tools for privacy, data protection, and compliance with/interpretation of domestic and international laws concerning direct marketing to consumers
• enabling development of intelligent buildings and dealing with the land use, real estate and environmental issues arising from the siting of a wide variety of fiber optic, copper wire and wireless facilities
• providing risk management to address increasing health, safety and environmental regulations affecting FCC-licensed transmitters, handsets and other devices which are the source of radiofrequency emissions
• formulating complex regulatory and legal analyses for the financial and investment communities to assist in market projections
• advising equipment manufacturers and service providers about meeting the needs of the disabled and remaining compliant with regulations implementing the Americans With Disabilities Act

Representation Across All Disciplines and Borders

We understand that your telecommunications needs do not have borders, and neither should your legal counsel. Our core Telecommunications Team includes a large group of lawyers based in Washington, D.C., whose practices concentrate almost exclusively on domestic and international telecommunications matters. In addition to this core group, we have local government and regulatory practices in 15 states that assist telecommunications clients with their local, municipal and state needs. Our clients also can rely on members of the firm outside the Telecommunications Team to handle virtually every substantive area of the law affecting business today.

Telecommunications and Media Transactions

From establishing new businesses, assisting with spectrum auction participation and preparing contracts for the merger and acquisition of telecommunications properties, to negotiating building access agreements, and developing service agreements, Holland & Knight’s global resources provide coordinated services. Our telecommunications clients hold literally thousands of FCC licenses, state certificates, antenna registrations, permits and authorizations which we have helped them to attain. We have represented clients across all major industries for decades, enabling us to identify all telecommunications issues for any client. Working hand-in-hand with our antitrust, tax, intellectual property, labor, creditors’ rights, real estate, corporate and securities lawyers, the Telecommunications Team can address all aspects of your transactional and dispute resolution needs. Our proprietary data systems enable lawyers and legal assistants to assist you with ongoing management of FCC and state applications, licenses, permits and other authorizations, including maintenance of accurate records and timely filing of applications and reports.

Regulatory and Legislative Experience

Holland & Knight lawyers have extensive experience representing our clients before federal, state, local and international regulatory and administrative agencies. From advocacy before the Executive Branch, Congress and independent agencies, to integration of state and local government initiatives, we have extensive experience in working with clients to develop practical, results-oriented strategies for achieving your priorities. Holland & Knight participated significantly in drafting the 1996 Telecommunications Act and regularly represents clients in a variety of federal and state legislative matters, and all types of proceedings before the FCC.

In the international arena, we provide clients with the advice and assistance necessary to confront the challenges and opportunities created by the increasing privatization of telecommunications facilities and globalization of the industry.

Dispute Resolution

When disputes arise, our goal is to reach a resolution that is favorable and cost-effective, while leaving important business relationships intact. We represent clients before the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau as well as before state regulators. We also offer fully-staffed trial and appellate litigation services for corporate litigation, class actions and appeals of regulatory decisions. Alternative dispute resolution, including complex arbitration proceedings, are also among the services we provide.