In a few short decades, the world has been transformed into a ubiquitous communications environment. And people love it. They never stop clamoring for greater functionality, flexibility and interoperability.

At Venable, we help service providers create and deliver these incredible communications products while helping users navigate the complex communications environment.

We live by the communications axiom: new technology defies conventional legal models. Our mission has been to find innovative ways for service providers, entrepreneurs, inventors and communications users to bring new technology on line. That’s a challenge that demands attorneys who have the capacity to synthesize and understand the entire communications playing field.

CRITICAL SKILLS IN KEY AREAS

Why Venable?

• We know the technology. We have hands-on experience with every type of communications device and service, including twisted copper wires; fiber optics; wireless spectrum; Internet-protocol; and terrestrial and space-based communications networks. We live and breathe this stuff.
• We know your business. We’ve climbed communications towers, donned sweaters in data hotels and switching centers, and been “beta” guinea pigs for your latest products. We’re part of your team, and we’re interested only in finding legal solutions that help your company’s bottom line.
• We know the laws — in fact, we helped draft them. For more than three decades, we’ve been bringing regulators and providers together with users to fashion sensible laws and regulations to make it possible to keep the dynamic communications industry humming along.

The issues are complex and global.

No arbitrary borders or boundaries: Venable represents U.S. and international service providers and users in communications transactions and regulatory matters throughout the United States and overseas. We have helped overseas governments and regulatory bodies create laws and regulations to promote investments in their communications sectors. 

No technological boundaries: The devices you carry for work and pleasure deliver virtually every type of service and content imaginable; distinct service and function categories are a thing of the past.

At Venable, we believe that every communications issue demands attorneys who are not limited by geography or technological know-how. You need attorneys who are familiar with the entire spectrum of converging technologies—both the networks that carry the data and the content they carry. Our attorneys have practical skills and backgrounds across every aspect of the communications industry that can help you meet your goals.

For Providers: Practical solutions, not legal memos.

The communications industry is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard enough to keep up with technological change; you don’t want legal surprises or academically inspired advice. You want legal advisors to deliver practical advice and solutions, and to keep you ahead of, not just abreast of, changes in the law that could affect your business and your network. For decades, Venable attorneys have been providing creative, practical advice to communications service providers on a wide range of issues:

• Wireless: We are particularly deep in wireless matters, having represented national, local and international wireless service providers in every significant FCC regulatory matter impacting the wireless industry since the inception of cellular radiotelephone service.
  
  Today, we are intensely involved in the most pressing issues facing licensed and unlicensed service providers, including RF emissions standards, environmental awareness, E911 and public safety. And we are working on transition to advanced-generation technologies, tower siting and spectrum policies, among other issues.  Among other wireless issues, we are focused on WiMAX/WiFi, Broadband Radio Services, terrestrial use of the satellite radio spectrum, microwave and other wireless services.
• Rural and independent telephone companies: We provide commercial, regulatory and litigation assistance for the entire “triple play” of services offered by local exchange carriers — telephony, wireless and cable TV regulations and business issues.
• Competitive carriers: Competitive local exchange carriers and long distance carriers face a unique array of regulatory, business and network issues. For decades, we’ve represented competitive carriers in virtually every state in business transactions, acquisitions, financing, litigation and dispute resolution.
• Internet-related issues: We’ve helped define the laws that apply to Internet-based communications services, such as Voice Over the Internet Protocol. We assist clients who are deploying Internet telephony and broadband technology, including helping with related regulatory, business and tax issues.
• Network and cable providers: We represent cable networks in all aspects of their business, including program acquisition, regulatory compliance and legislative affairs.
• Tower siting, zoning, land use and environmental compliance: Our attorneys have considerable experience with the National Environmental Policy Act and issues related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. We have worked with state historical preservation officers on dozens of projects and have negotiated Section 106 Memoranda of Understanding matters.

For Users: Help with technology contracts and network issues.

If your communications networks are essential to the operation of your business and to the services you provide your customers or members, then for you:

• A new service contract, network upgrade or change in platform is a major operational and legal undertaking. In addition to complicated decisions related to technology choices, there are a myriad of critical contract issues to consider, such as service levels and redundancy, rates and “additional charges,” dispute resolution, network obsolescence and interoperability.
• Operating a network may entail legal issues and potential liability — issues such as privacy protection, criminal law enforcement and eavesdropping requirements, as well as regulatory fees and taxes.

We can help you with all these issues, from contract review and negotiations to regulatory compliance and resolving disputes with vendors.

Our communications attorneys are particularly well versed in the special needs of the public safety community, including governmental entities, regional authorities and public safety service providers. We have represented local and regional governments and agencies on a wide range of public safety communications issues. And we have helped public safety service providers in their licensing and network deployment issues.

The crux of the communications industry is the ability to send and receive information. You wouldn’t be reading this message if you didn’t have some issues in mind. We’re here to listen. We think you’ll find that we have some of the best ears—and the best solutions—in the field.