Perhaps more than any other industry, the communications sector is characterized by constant change. Despite a deregulatory trend, regulation, licensing and government policies are still very much a part of the telecommunications, broadcasting and media sectors. To establish and grow a successful communications business in the face of a changing technological and regulatory environment, you need legal advice that is in tune with the industry’s dynamics. Fasken Martineau’s Communications group has earned an international reputation for offering proactive, practical, relevant and timely advice. We understand both the business and regulatory sides of this critical industry.
We are recognized as a leader in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors with national and international reach and unparalleled experience and expertise in both the regulatory and transactional sides of the industries. Our team has expertise in licensing, regulation, policy, copyright, media law, competition, acquisitions, financing, specialized commercial agreements and infrastructure projects at both the national and international levels. Our lawyers are in day-to-day contact with government departments and regulators, affording us a deep understanding of the laws and policies that affect our clients. As a result, we are uniquely placed to advise on all legal regulatory and policy issues within the industry.
The breadth and depth of our communications experience and expertise in Canada and abroad positions us to address any of your company’s issues.
Our Clients
We represent a diverse range of clients, including wireless, wireline, cable TV and satellite carriers, Internet service providers, resellers, broadcasters and digital media suppliers. We have extensive experience advising other utilities such as electricity utilities and airports on strategies to leverage their communications infrastructure.
We advise manufacturers on equipment certification standards and conduct regulatory due diligence on international telecommunications services. We also act for investors in, and users of, telecommunications and broadcasting services, including financial institutions, governments and other public institutions. We have extensive experience advising governments on regulatory and policy reform and WTO requirements.
Our Expertise
- Telecommunications
- Broadcasting
- Spectrum
- Internet
- Digital media
- Foreign ownership restrictions
- Copyright
- Representation before tribunals & courts
- Media law
- Establishment of communications businesses in Canada
- Specialized commercial agreements
- Entertainment
- Communications infrastructure