Our clients are on the leading edge of a radical transformation in the communications industry. Telecommunications service providers, cable operators and wireless carriers are competing against each other in nearly all product categories. Traditional distinctions between products are also blurring as hybrid services like VoIP, high speed Internet access, VoWiFi and IPVideo continue to emerge. Deregulation, competition and the "age of broadband," mean that our clients will be confronted by more challenges -- and presented with more opportunities -- than at any other time in the history of the industry

Panoramic Perspective

As hybrid communications products are developed and traditional lines between competitors become blurred, a panoramic perspective of the industry is increasingly important. Clark Hill's communications attorneys possess backgrounds that form such a perspective. Among our Communications Practice Group attorneys, one member is the author of the United States chapter of BNA's International Telecommunications Law, which analyzes the development of the industry and its regulations since the invention of the telephone. Another member held legal and government affairs positions with several cable operators. Other members of the practice group have served as former Assistant Michigan Attorneys General; as a result of this experience, our attorneys can share the perspective of the regulator directly with our clients.  Since 1985, Clark Hill attorneys have also published the Michigan Telecommunications Report, a comprehensive biweekly publication which keeps subscribers informed on activities affecting telecommunications in the state of Michigan. This panoramic perspective means that our communications attorneys are able to spot issues, understand policy implications, and develop creative solutions.

Depth of Experience

In addition to bringing a panoramic perspective, Clark Hill's communication attorneys are also among the most experienced in the country. Over the years, for example, Clark Hill has helped more than 100 telecommunications service providers in their efforts to secure licenses, negotiate or arbitrate interconnection agreements, seek approval of tariffs, and commence service in Michigan and other Great Lakes area states. Clark Hill's communications attorneys have also assisted clients with the construction of telecommunications facilities in the rights-of-way, the procurement of local permits, access to multiple-dwelling units, and development contracts for smart buildings. In addition, Clark Hill regularly assists clients in line sharing matters, total service long-run incremental cost (TSLERIC or TELRIC) studies, service quality, local number portability, slamming and cramming proceedings before state and federal commissions, and a wide variety of other telephony- related issues. In addition to telephony matters, our communications practice group is also experienced in issues that affect cable operators. Over the last decade, counsel has been provided in nearly 500 franchise renewals and over 1,000 franchise transfers throughout the country. Our communications group attorneys can also assist in rate regulation and franchise fee audits, issues surrounding competitive strategy and overbuilds, pole attachments and permitting matters, referenda and community needs surveys. In addition to representation on telecommunications and cable issues, Clark Hill also represents large institutional users of telecommunications services. For example, Clark Hill serves as general counsel to MiCTA, a national group of colleges, universities, governmental and other nonprofit organizations involved in telecommunications throughout the country.

Services Offered

A broad perspective and depth of experience means that Clark Hill's communications attorneys can provide thoughtful counsel on a wide variety of communications matters.

Many of the firm's clients rely on Clark Hill to monitor regulatory and legislative matters at the local, state and federal levels. Since 1985, Clark Hill attorneys have published the Michigan Telecommunications Report, a comprehensive biweekly publication which keeps subscribers informed on activities affecting telecommunications in the state.

Clark Hill's attorneys also monitor developments at the Federal Communications Commission on a daily basis, and provide targeted monitoring services, upon a client's request, which track developments in a particular state legislature or agency.

Clark Hill's communications attorneys also develop public policy and negotiate and draft legislation on telecommunications issues. For example, our communications attorneys were notable participants in crafting Michigan's landmark Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Right-of-Way Oversight Act. That effort demonstrated the importance of a broad perspective, and the opportunities that can be actively pursued in state telecommunication act re-writes.

Clark Hill's communications attorneys are also skilled advocates. Our firm regularly represents clients before the FCC, state agencies, government bodies and federal and state courts. In fact, Clark Hill filed the first lawsuit in the country pursuing a client's right-of-way access rights under the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

As wireline, wireless and cable communications continue to converge, new products, services and applications and regulations will continue to emerge. Whether your communications issue is traditional in nature or involves a "broadband age" issue, Clark Hill's perspective and experience will prove useful. We look forward to helping you meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this exciting period.