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Communications

We understand that our clients in the telecommunications sector need specialist advice, so we've built a team of dedicated telecommunications lawyers with a detailed knowledge of the market and regulatory landscape, and a precise technical understanding of the technology.

We have deep experience across the full "spectrum" of communications technologies, including 5G roll-out, mobile networks, subsea cable transactions, fibre rollout projects, and satellite projects. This breadth of experience gives us the ability to see the big picture within the industry, blending commercial, regulatory and network security advice seamlessly to support our clients' needs.

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Why Fieldfisher?

5G: The Fieldfisher communications team has spent the last two years immersed in the UK's 5G rollout.  We have unparalleled insider insight into the practical challenges of deploying a 5G network, upgrading the infrastructure and detailed knowledge of network sharing and site access arrangements.  Where site access is an issue, we work closely with our specialised telecommunications property team and telecommunications regulatory experts to ensure that every angle is covered.

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Fibre: The fibre infrastructure market is becoming more diverse and more competitive.  Fibre infrastructure companies are poised to take advantage of significant UK Government infrastructure spending in order to fund FTTP deployments

Subsea cables: We regularly advise on subsea cable projects in both the European and Asia Pacific markets.  Fieldfisher can assist with the entire project, end-to-end, from supply agreements for fibre optic cable, marine supply and maintenance contracts, regulatory advice for the construction and operation of subsea systems, landing party agreements, dark fibre and lit capacity sales and leases, corporate structuring, financing and disputes.  We've negotiated against all the key industry players, and we know how to take a holistic view of a project in order to back-to-back and minimise exposure for operators.

Space and Satellite: Our satellite and space projects team includes lawyers with over 20 years' experience advising on major satellite and space projects in the UK, Europe and worldwide. Thanks to our rich understanding of the sector, clients benefit from receiving best-in-class support from lawyers they can trust. Click here to read more about our Satellite and Space Projects team.

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Notable deals and highlights

      • The team advised MBNL on the renegotiation of a 10-15 year deal for a significant mobile tower and site portfolio with Arqiva/Cellnex. This project (which lasted two years and was supported by over thirty lawyers) involved complex negotiations that needed to cater for the imminent relocation of Arqiva's portfolio assets and the changing regulatory environment for network sharing.
      •  The team advised a national provider of fibre backhaul infrastructure on a bid for the development, operation and maintenance of a 200km+ backhaul network to connect various local authorities. We advised on draft Works, O&M and Duct Licence Agreements as well as the State Aid implications of the proposal.
      • The team advised a national provider of bandwidth infrastructure services on a bid to acquire a fibre network in the north of England. Our team provided advice on the Share Purchase Agreement as well conducting due diligence on the various customer contracts; key supplier agreements; wayleave agreements; and the transitional service agreement.
      • The team advised the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Bahrain) on the introduction of billing and metering regulations, revised consumer protection laws and the introduction of their interim measures legislation.

      Codes of Practice on network security under the Telecoms Security Bill

      In this article, we consider some of the key risks identified by the National Cyber Security Centre in January this year (in particular virtualisation of networks and the threats posed by signalling systems), what steps OFCOM may take in respect of related codes of practice for network security and whether the TSB can minimise network security issues without curbing innovative network solutions.

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      A digitally designed promotional image with blue and purple abstract geometrical patterns. The text at the top reads, "OFCOM finalises regulatory approach to full-fibre in WFTMR Statement." Below it reads, "Fieldfisher Telecoms Sector Group—March 2021.

      Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review

      In March 2021, OFCOM published its final approach to promoting competition and investment in fibre networks as part of its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review, covering the period from April 2021 to March 2026. In this report, Fieldfisher's expert Telecoms team summarise the Decision Statement's key elements, and the extent to which OFCOM's key objectives are likely to be met.

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