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Communications

Communications Regulatory

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We help clients cut through the red tape that creates obstacles to innovation and slows down the deployment of cutting-edge new technologies.

Overview

Making regulation work for your business
Technology and business models change fast, faster than the regulations that govern them. We help your legal, regulatory, and government affairs teams be more strategic, efficient, and valuable to your business stakeholders by reducing the friction caused by regulations that were often written for a completely different era. Better yet, we can help you capitalize on the business opportunities that often accompany regulatory changes.

Proactive problem solving
We bring more than experience to the table. We anticipate regulatory issues before they become problems because we've seen how the regulatory process plays out over the course of many decades and many industry and technology changes. Our collective experience working with established communications providers (cable, wireless, telephone, and broadband) and emerging players enables us to anticipate changes in law and regulation and provide valuable insight into how to both influence and navigate those changes.

How we can help
Communications providers can fall under the jurisdiction of international, federal, state, and/or local government regulators—and their actions can be in conflict with each other or create needless barriers to companies’ progress. No matter your experience with the multi-tiered world of communication regulation, we can help with your day-to-day regulatory needs, complex transactions, launch of novel products, and regulatory disputes. 

Federal regulation

  • Comprehensive representation before the FCC, FTC, executive branch, Congress, and other independent agencies
  • Regulatory approvals essential to operations and transactions
  • Advocacy in rulemaking proceedings and policy matters
  • License acquisition and transfer
  • Compliance with technical and operating rules
  • Complaint and enforcement proceedings
  • Litigation in all courts

State regulation

  • Entry and exit, certification and tariffs
  • Interconnection agreements and arbitrations
  • Consumer protection and service quality complaints and rulemakings
  • Regulatory fees and surcharges
  • Right-of-way access and pole attachment proceedings
  • Enforcement, audits and complaint proceedings
  • Universal service proceedings, including obtaining ETC status
  • Numbering compliance and acquisition
  • VoIP issues
  • Municipal franchises and taxes
global computer network

International Trade, Investment & National Security

Businesses operating in the 21st century global economy face numerous regulatory challenges, political uncertainty, and cross-border legal risks. We understand these evolving facets of doing international business and help clients mitigate risk and maintain compliance with U.S. and foreign trade laws.

rocket launch

Space and Satellite

Our deep knowledge of the satellite and space industry comes from our experience as both in-house and outside counsel representing high-profile companies in the space economy. See how we can help you with the rapid evolution of the space and satellite industry's unique legal challenges.

Read More Link to /-/media/files/communications/2023-dwt-space-overview-onepager.pdf?rev=b07674a9ff724c0d937cce61108e7356&hash=6AAB81188F47BBDE03E01375B96D1C46
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Our Team

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Braverman, Burt
Burt Braverman
Partner
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4210
Browne, Maria T.
Maria T. Browne
Partner
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4281
Curran, Patrick J.
Patrick J. Curran Jr.
Counsel
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4277
DeThomas, Courtney
Courtney T. DeThomas
Counsel
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4288
Galloway, Alan
Alan Galloway
Counsel
Portland
503.778.5219
Halm, K.C.
K.C. Halm
Partner
Co-chair, Technology, Communications, Privacy & Security Practice; Chair, Communications Practice
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4287
Huang, David
David Huang
Counsel
San Francisco
415.276.6589
Hudson, Paul B.
Paul B. Hudson
Partner
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4275
Moelter, Heather
Heather Moelter
Associate
Portland
503.778.5406
Mohamed, Soraya
Soraya Mohamed
Associate
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4266
Nelson, John
John C. Nelson Jr.
Associate
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4278
Savage, Christopher W.
Christopher W. Savage
Partner
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4211
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Contact Us

We’re here to help. Email us with any questions or comments and we’ll get you connected to the right person.
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©1996-2025 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Not intended as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.