Telecommunications

We advise fixed line, mobile and satellite communications network providers, data centre operators and network and consumer device manufacturers.

We’re immersed in all aspects of the telecoms industry. We understand the technological, business and regulatory landscape in which our clients operate and we apply that understanding to how we provide our legal services.

In this increasingly connected world, it is no surprise that our support to our clients is truly global. Our clients operate networks or provide products or services across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Working with some of the world’s biggest and fastest moving TMT companies inspires us. We want to help our clients to innovate, to reach new markets and develop new business.

Our core services include:

• Competition: advice on compliance with competition rules, including dealing with competition investigations brought by the national authorities and the European Commission, obtaining competition clearance for corporate transactions and defending and bringing competition-based litigation claims
• Compliance/regulation: advice on contentious, non-contentious and strategic work to help communications sector businesses consider today and tomorrow’s regulatory risks. Our advice covers the regulatory aspects which impact market entry, network procurement, OSS/BSS integration, optimisation and transformation programmes, new communications service lines, complex disputes, privatizations and market exit work
• Commercial contracts: on complex commercial contracts covering both networks-related (including procurement, infrastructure sharing and operations and maintenance alongside network deployment) and service-related including complex partnerships involving OTT players, MNOs, MVNOs, MVNE, and the exploitation of content
• Data: advice on GPDR and wider data regulation compliance, authority investigations, complaints and claims and processes associated with the exercise of individuals’ rights
• Disputes: advice on resolving disputes through litigation, arbitration or ADR. We advise on all stages of bringing or defending a claim, and on steps to be taken before or during the process to negotiate a settlement
• Employment: advice on employment documentation, employee benefits, talent management, restructuring/reductions in force, works councils/unions, sensitive investigations, whistleblowing, harassment and related litigation
• Finance: advice on debt and equity financing, securitisation
• Infrastructure: advising on complex infrastructure projects from network infrastructure supply to satellites and submarine cables. In both developed and emerging markets. Involved on major infrastructure disputes, investments and financings
• Intellectual property: “one-stop, international shop” for IP services – from registration of brands, designs and patents; to advising on IP transactions, collaborations and FRAND licences; regulatory advice; and leading cutting-edge technology disputes involving the range of IP rights.
• International trade: advice on export control, movement of goods and services and controls on foreign direct investment
• M&A, JVs, fundraisings and corporate governance: advice and support on private and public acquisitions, investment and divestment transactions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, partnerships and collaborations and equity and debt capital markets, as well as the requirements of good governance
• Real estate/construction: advice on real estate transactions and construction projects
• Tax: focusing on corporate tax, transfer pricing, VAT, employment tax and the developing digital services tax landscape. We have specialist expertise in direct/indirect tax relating to IP and the indirect taxation of online video and gaming services.