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Communications


Fasken has an international reputation for informed, proactive advice to the communications sector. In fact, clients, directories and peers have considered us leaders in the industry for decades. We work closely with telecommunications, broadcasting and media organizations who want to pursue complex innovations while still operating efficiently. We work with clients to implement strategies regarding terrestrial and satellite services and related spectrum management matters. Our experienced team includes a former Federal Communications Minister and Minister of International Trade as well as lawyers who have worked in large communications organizations.
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Overview

The industry evolves to meet the demands of consumers. Regulation, licensing and government policies, as well as spectrum auctions and acquisitions and advancements to wireless technologies, are a requirement to stay competitive.

We help navigate complex regulatory requirements and foreign ownership restrictions. We can establish new businesses and initiatives, structure specialized commercial agreements and organize infrastructure projects at the national and international level.

While we advise clients on traditional legal and regulatory issues, we also address the emerging technologies that will transform connectivity in vehicles, wireless devices and health care.

We represent clients in proceedings before specialized tribunals, such as the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Copyright Board, as well as in court and at arbitration. We also coordinate with regulators regarding radio frequency standards, broadcast licences, frequency coordination and terminal certification.

Fasken works with consumers, wireless and wireline carriers, internet service providers, resellers, cable, IPTV and satellite distributors, radio and television broadcasters and digital media companies. We also work with utilities and airports to leverage their communications infrastructure and businesses such as investment companies whose interests intersect with the industry.

We help with spectrum auctions, orbital slot assignments, ownership requirements, cross-border frequency coordination and radio frequency (RF) equipment certification. We also regularly work with wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers and investors in the wireless sector.

Our notable communications work includes advising foreign governments in developing communications infrastructure and regulatory regimes for Canada’s leading communications companies on almost every major policy and licensing proceeding held by the CRTC. We practice common law and civil law; many of us are bilingual.

Subscribe to our “Communications Bulletin”, attend a presentation where we’ll be speaking about industry issues, or contact any of our lawyers to learn more.

Achievements

Team

Primary Contacts
  • Leslie Milton, Partner | Co-leader, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Ottawa, ON, +1 613 696 6914, [email protected]
  • Gerald (Jay) Kerr-Wilson, Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property, Ottawa, ON, +1 613 696 6884, [email protected]
  • Ashen Jugoo, Partner | Project Finance, Johannesburg, +27 11 586 6098, [email protected]
  • Christian Leblanc, Partner | Intellectual Property, Montréal, QC, +1 514 397 7545, [email protected]
  • Barbara Miller, Partner | Communications, Toronto, ON, +1 416 865 4410, [email protected]
Leslie Milton Ottawa Lawyer Leslie Milton Partner | Co-leader, Technology, Media and Telecommunications Ottawa, ON +1 613 696 6914
Jay Kerr-Wilson Ottawa Lawyer Gerald (Jay) Kerr-Wilson Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property Ottawa, ON +1 613 696 6884
Ashen Jugoo | Project Finance | Energy | Infrastructure Ashen Jugoo Partner | Project Finance Johannesburg +27 11 586 6098
Patent and Intellectual Property Lawyer in Montreal, Christian Leblanc Christian Leblanc Partner | Intellectual Property Montréal, QC +1 514 397 7545
Barbara Miller Toronto Lawyer Barbara Miller Partner | Communications Toronto, ON +1 416 865 4410

Experience

  • BDC Capital's StrongNorth Fund leads $16 million investment in Lastwall to strengthen Canada’s defence capability, [Deal - BDC Capital], BDC’s StrongNorth Fund has made its first cybersecurity investment.
  • Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. acquires Hollywood Suite Group of Companies, [Deal - Anthem Sports & Entertainment], Canadian multinational media company acquires film company.
  • Sher-E Radio successfully obtains relief from forfeiture as against Corus Radio, allowing its legacy cultural radio station to stay on the air, [Case - Sher-E Punjab Radio Broadcasting Inc.], Sher-E Radio awarded relief under License Agreement
  • Pratico-Pratiques companies sold to Groupe Pratico, [Deal - The Pratico-Pratiques companies], Sale of Pratico-Pratiques companies to Groupe Pratico.
  • Xeos Technologies Inc. acquired by Satlink, [Deal - Xeos Technologies Inc], Spanish technology solutions company acquires Canadian marine technologies company.
  • Doteasy and In2Net completed the sale of their domain name registration and web hosting business to World Host Group, [Deal - Doteasy Technology Inc], World Host Group provider announced its strategic acquisition of web hosting and domain services business from Doteasy.
  • Rogers Communications Inc. acquires Shaw Communications Inc. for CA$26 billion, [Deal - Rogers Communications Inc.], Rogers-Shaw merger closes, forming new telecom giant
  • Syndicate of international lenders led by The Bank of Nova Scotia completes US$2.5 billion financing in favour of TELUS International, [Deal - A syndicate of lenders with The Bank of Nova Scotia acting as administrative agent], Significant financing for a TSX and NYSE listed global digital customer experience innovator
  • Redline Communications Group Inc. completes C$16.2 million sale to Aviat Networks, Inc., [Case - Redline Communications Group Inc.], Leading provider in mission-critical data infrastructure announces completion of sale

Knowledge

  • Bill C‑22: The Lawful Access Act Reintroduces Lawful Access in Parliament After the Government of Canada’s Abortive Attempt to Do So in Bill C‑2, the Strong Borders Act, 3/26/2026
  • The CRTC Calls for Applications for Indigenous Radio Stations in Ottawa and Toronto, 3/3/2026
  • Canadian Broadcasting Regulation in 2025 and Implications for the Year Ahead: Consultation, Course Correction, and Continuing Uncertainty, 2/25/2026
  • CRTC Releases New Policy to Modernize Radio Processes, 10/23/2025
  • Doing Business in the United Kingdom, 7/9/2025
  • Bill C-2: Strong Borders Act Introduces Lawful Access and Data Disclosure Regime, 6/25/2025
  • Opsis Ruling: Supreme Court Finds Provincial Statute Doesn’t Apply to Two Federally Regulated Businesses Despite the Constraints of Interjurisdictional Immunity, 6/12/2025
  • 2025 Election Compliance: Essential Rules for Broadcasters, Advertisers, Telephone Calls and Emails, 4/8/2025
  • 2025 ESG Disclosure Study, 2/24/2025
  • Ontario Government Actively Consulting on Regulations with Major Ramifications for Businesses that Contract with Consumers, 1/23/2025

News

  • Christian Leblanc analyzes the legal framework surrounding AI-generated artistic content in an interview broadcast on 98.5, 3/25/2026
  • Scott Prescott, Kiera Boyd and Riley Mintz comment on the implementation of Canada’s Online Streaming Act in Lexpert, 12/13/2024
  • Fasken Benchmark ESG Survey Sheds Light on Key Trends For Corporate Decision-Makers, 1/9/2023
  • 60 Fasken Lawyers in 27 Practice Areas Recognized in the 2021 Chambers Global Guide, 2/18/2021
  • Fasken Wins Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year in the 2019 Best Lawyers in Canada Guide, 8/21/2018

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