Authored Articles & Publications Oct 18, 2019
A Texas Bill Reducing Telecom Right of Way Fees Could Set Trends in Other States
In the Practical Law Journal, BB&K Partner Gerard Lederer Explains How Such Laws Could Impact Cities’ Revenue
Telecommunications
Best Best & Krieger LLP lawyers have been among the leading advocates on telecommunications issues for more than three decades. We are especially well-known for our effective and cost-efficient representation of more than 250 public agencies throughout the U.S., including municipal and county governments, special districts, publicly owned utilities, school districts and regional public safety groups.
We guide our public clients through the ever-changing maze of federal and state regulations that affect local agencies’ authority to:
- Build and finance communications systems and provide services
- Regulate the placement of wireless and wireline facilities
- Franchise cable and other systems using the rights of way
- Obtain fair compensation for use of public property
We also represent private businesses, including smaller telecommunications companies and nonprofits, in disputes and negotiations with utilities and large telecommunications and cable service providers.
We maintain a strong presence in Washington, D.C., where our lawyers are highly respected and regularly meet with key members of the Federal Communications Commission and Congress on issues critical to our clients.
Comprehensive Service
BB&K attorneys take a proactive approach by anticipating issues, advocating for clients and helping to shape policy while providing insights that allow our clients to avoid costly errors in planning and implementing major telecommunications projects.
We provide comprehensive counsel on cutting-edge issues and traditional concerns. Combining legal experience with communications business and technology knowledge, we advise on all facets of telecommunications law, regulation business and policy. Further, we regularly and successfully represent clients before federal and state legislators, regulators and commissions, and in FCC proceedings, administrative hearings and enforcement proceedings, as well as in trial and appellate courts.
Areas of Experience:
- Broadband planning and deployment
- Cable television
- Wireless communications
- Regulation and deployment of wireless and cellular networks
- Business matters
- Tower siting
- Broadcasting
- Telephony
- Interplay of federal and state regulations
- Franchise operations, management and renewals
- Cell site and cell tower licensing, leasing programs and agreements
- Spectrum set-asides and use
- Trademark protection
- Infrastructure development
- Fees and taxes
- Public-private partnerships
- Financing
- Bankruptcy and restructurings
- Government relations
- Access and rights of way
- Public safety, emergency services and public, educational and governmental access channels
- Regulatory compliance
- Fixed, mobile and broadband wireless communications
- Environmental, permitting, zoning, and land use issues
- FCC rulemaking and policy
- Procurement
- Merger and acquisition reviews
- Rate-setting and taxing authority
- First Amendment and other constitutional matters
- Privacy and public records
- Transactional matters
- Establishment of communications networks and obtaining low-cost, high-speed fiber network access
- Indefeasible rights of use
Event Sep 24, 2019
2019 NATOA Annual Conference
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Event Sep 18, 2019
IMLA 2019 Annual Conference
International Municipal Lawyers Association
![[WEBINAR] Understanding and Responding to the FCC Cable In-Kind and Mixed Use Order](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/Understanding-and-Responding-to-the-FCC-Cable-In-Kind-and-Mixed-Use-Order_t.png?ext=.png)
Videos Sep 06, 2019
[WEBINAR] Understanding and Responding to the FCC Cable In-Kind and Mixed Use Order
BB&K Free Webinar
BB&K Webinar Sep 05, 2019
Understanding and Responding to the FCC Cable In-Kind and Mixed Use Order
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Aug 06, 2019
FCC Releases Cable Order that Will Cost Communities Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
BB&K Summarizes Order’s Four Major Elements and Offers Response Options
BB&K In the News Jul 08, 2019
Partner Gerry Lederer Discusses Cities’ 5G Challenges with the Wall Street Journal
Communities Are Having a Hard Time Keeping Up with Wiring Permits
Authored Articles & Publications May 06, 2019
FCC’s OTARD Rule Proposal: Comment Period Open
Partner Gerry Lederer Discusses New Developments in PublicCEO
BB&K In the News May 02, 2019
FCC Actions Impacting the Public Right of Way
Listen to Partner Gail Karish’s National Planning Conference Presentation in a GovLove Podcast
Legal Alerts Apr 22, 2019
Further FCC Assault on Local Zoning
Join Coalition to Fight Proposed Expansion of OTARD Rule
Legal Alerts Apr 04, 2019
Ordinance Regulating Aesthetics of Wireless in Public Rights of Way OK’d by California Supreme Court
Decision in T-Mobile West LLC v. City and County of San Francisco a Victory for Local Government
Event Mar 30, 2019
IMLA 2019 Mid-Year Seminar
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2019
CPUC Proceedings of Note: PG&E Restructuring, Undergrounding and Wildfire Mitigation
Public Agencies Will Be Impacted by Various Actions
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2019
New FCC Shot Clocks and Other Rules Preempting Local Authority Over Wireless Take Effect Today
Federal Shutdown Does Not Delay Implementation
Legal Alerts Jan 09, 2019
New Year, New Laws Impacting Public Agencies in California – Part I
2019 Brings Changes to Election, Revenue, Conflict of Interest, Property and Public Safety Laws… and More
Press Releases Dec 19, 2018
Cities’ Struggles to Meet Obligations Are Real — BB&K Municipal Law Team Grows to Help
New and Expanded Services and More Attorneys and Staff Added in 2018
Event Nov 01, 2018
Overcoming Barriers and Obstacles to Facilitate 5G Deployment
Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.
Event Oct 17, 2018
IMLA 2018 Annual Conference
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Legal Alerts Sep 25, 2018
FCC Takes First of Two Actions: Could Cost Local Government Billions in Next Decade
Communities Coalition Forming Now
Legal Alerts Sep 12, 2018
Proposed FCC Actions Will Limit Local Control and Cut Revenues
Immediate Action Needed — Community Coalition Forming
Event Aug 27, 2018
2018 NATOA Annual Conference
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Legal Alerts Aug 13, 2018
Public Agencies and GDPR Compliance
Government Entities Should Evaluate Data Collection and Use Practices
Legal Alerts Aug 08, 2018
FCC Bans Moratoria on Communications Facilities Deployment
FCC Bans Moratoria on Communications Facilities Deployment
Legal Alerts Jul 26, 2018
Federal Draft Infrastructure Bill Released
Aims to Provide Revenue to Repair Failing Infrastructure
Event Jul 23, 2018
Industry’s Recent Assault of Cable Franchises and Next Steps for Locals
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Event Jun 21, 2018
2018 Small Cells Symposium
Maryland Association of Counties
![[WEBINAR] Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/Car-Sharing-Concept-3D-Image_thumb.jpg?ext=.jpg)
May 15, 2018
[WEBINAR] Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Webinar May 15, 2018
Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure
BB&K Free Webinar
Event May 08, 2018
ACWA CLE Workshop & Spring Conference
Association of California Water Agencies
Legal Alerts May 07, 2018
Cell Tower Landlord’s Checklist
Know Your Rights Amid Mobile Carrier Mega Mergers
Event May 02, 2018
LCC City Attorneys' Spring Conference
League of California Cities
Press Releases May 01, 2018
BB&K Partner Joseph Van Eaton Recognized by Super Lawyers D.C.
Telecommunications Law Veteran Again Earns Spot on Prestigious List
Event Apr 21, 2018
Telecommunications, Disaster Planning and Clean Water Act Updates
IMLA Mid-Year Seminar
Event Apr 19, 2018
Cell Tower Zoning & Placement: Navigating Recent FCC Changes
MyLawCLE
Event Apr 05, 2018
Small Cell, Right of Way, Franchise and More
WATOA Annual Conference
Event Mar 16, 2018
Legal and Practical Issues Surrounding Uses of PEG Funding
ACM Western Region Conference
Event Mar 16, 2018
Public, Educational and Government Access Television Update
ACM Western States Regional Conference
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 16, 2018
Roads of the Future Today
BB&K Attorney Gregory Rodriguez Writes on the Latest Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Autonomous Vehicles in PublicCEO
Event Mar 15, 2018
The Trump Administration’s Antitrust Challenge to the Proposed AT&T and Warner Merger
UCR School of Public Policy
Event Mar 03, 2018
2018 NACo Legislative Conference
Legal Alerts Feb 16, 2018
New Federal 911 Law Could Impact Many Public Agencies and Businesses
Kari’s Law Sets New Requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems
BB&K Webinar Feb 13, 2018
Free Municipal Law Webinar Series from BB&K
Legal Issues that Matter Most to California Cities
Legal Alerts Feb 12, 2018
Federal Infrastructure Outline Released
Details Local Agencies Need are Included
Legal Alerts Jan 31, 2018
A Peek Inside the Trump Infrastructure Plan: What Local Government Agencies Should Know
The State of the Union Address and a Leaked Memo Give the Insight We’ve Been Waiting For
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 30, 2018
Local Government Reaction is Swift to FCC’s Wireless Regulation Actions
By Joseph Van Eaton, Gerard Lavery Lederer and Gail A. Karish
Legal Alerts Jan 30, 2018
Red Flags on Wireless: A Recent Resignation Signals Industry-Weighted Regulations Ahead
Local Governments Should Speak Up Now for Local Control
![[WEBINAR] Laying the Foundation for Maximizing Benefits Around Emerging Technologies](/getmedia/fd2c1fdd-0862-4284-ad8e-96f366b5004f/Blue-Circuit-Board-Closeup-of-Computer-Motherboard_thumb?width=150&height=150&ext=.jpg)
Jan 25, 2018
[WEBINAR] Laying the Foundation for Maximizing Benefits Around Emerging Technologies
BB&K Municipal Law Webinar Series
Event Jan 25, 2018
Broadband Deployment: Federal & State Threats to City Property and Authorities
U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting 2018
Event Jan 19, 2018
Planning, Zoning, and Development Law – A Heapin’ Helping of Housing, and So Much More
Land Use Law and Planning Conference 2018 Program
Legal Alerts Jan 11, 2018
2018 California Public Agency Laws – Part III
Cannabis, LAFCO Law and a Round Up of Other New Laws Impacting Public Agencies
BB&K In the News Dec 26, 2017
Small Cell Guidance Sought from BB&K
A New York Village Hires Firm, Reports The Journal News
Client Successes Dec 18, 2017
Lawsuit Challenging Local Authority Over Right of Way Dismissed
Partner Joseph Van Eaton Represents City in Small Cell Placement Dispute
Event Nov 30, 2017
Cell Tower Zoning and Placement: Navigating Recent FCC Changes
NBI Seminar
Event Nov 17, 2017
Cell Tower/Telecom Issues
Iowa Municipal Attorney Association's Annual Seminar
Event Nov 03, 2017
Broadband Future: Federal Law and Policy Update
TATOA Annual Conference
BB&K In the News Oct 26, 2017
Small Cell Antennas Debated at Public Meeting
BB&K Partner Gerard Lederer Discussed Small Cell Tower Regulations with Maryland Residents, WTOP Reports
Event Oct 19, 2017
Municipal Management of Cellphone Towers, DAS and Small Cell Deployments
Strafford Webinar
Legal Alerts Oct 16, 2017
SB 649 Small Cell Bill Vetoed by California Governor
Victory for Local Governments
Event Oct 14, 2017
IMLA's 82nd Annual Conference
International Municipal Lawyers Association
![[WEBINAR] Cell Tower and Small Cell Law: A Regulatory and Transactional Primer](/getmedia/89c0e352-0cdd-49f2-905c-16dd6f171c47/small-cell-wireless-telecommunications_thumb?width=150&height=150&ext=.jpg)
Sep 20, 2017
[WEBINAR] Cell Tower and Small Cell Law: A Regulatory and Transactional Primer
BB&K Municipal Law Webinar Series
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 20, 2017
The Little Hoover Commission Issues Report on Special Districts
By Whitney Blackhurst
Legal Alerts Sep 19, 2017
SB 649 Barely Passes Out of California Legislature
Governor has Until Oct. 15 to Veto Controversial Small Cell Bill
BB&K In the News Sep 15, 2017
Partner Gerard Lederer Files Opposition to FCC Broadband Infrastructure Plans
Filed on Behalf of Tech Officers from Six Cities, Law360 Reports
Event Sep 15, 2017
Legal and Policy Considerations of Automated Vehicles: Balancing Innovation and Regulation
The Seminar Group
Event Sep 11, 2017
NATOA 2017 Annual Conference
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Legal Alerts Sep 05, 2017
FCC Seeking Comments on Telecommunications Deployment
UPDATED: Local Governments May Be Impacted; Comments Due Sept. 21
BB&K In the News Aug 22, 2017
6th Circuit Vacates and Remands FCC Rules
Law360 Interviews Partner Joseph Van Eaton who Rep’d Local Communities
Client Successes Aug 16, 2017
Cable Operators Reduced Franchise Fee to Municipalities Not Permitted
BB&K Attorneys Win in California Federal Court
Press Releases Aug 11, 2017
Telecommunications Law Attorney John Gasparini Joins BB&K
Will Serve Clients from our Washington, D.C. Office
Event Aug 07, 2017
Right of Way Control and Compensation
eNATOA Webinar
Client Successes Jul 20, 2017
Sixth Circuit Overturns FCC Cable Order
Partner Joseph Van Eaton Represented a Coalition of Communities
Event Jul 17, 2017
The Wooden Pole – Your Most High-Tech Infrastructure
NARUC Summer Policy Summit
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 12, 2017
Good News for Public Agencies and Communities on Regulation of Cable Systems
By Joseph Van Eaton and Gerard Lavery Lederer
Event Jul 11, 2017
Federal Advocacy and Policy
ACM 2017 Annual Conference
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 28, 2017
Copper Retirement in Rural Communities
By John Gasparini
Event Jun 12, 2017
Wireless in the Rights of Way and on Public Property
SCAMPS Annual Meeting
Legal Alerts Jun 12, 2017
UPDATE: Real Fight Begins Over SB 649 in California Assembly
Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Legal Alerts May 25, 2017
NO DEAL! SB 649 Passed Out of Appropriations Committee Without Amendment
This Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Event May 24, 2017
Local Permitting Issues in Wireless Telecommunications, Including SB 649
SANBAG Planning and Development Technical Forum
Legal Alerts May 17, 2017
New Potential Threats to Communities from the FCC
Comments Due Soon — BB&K Coalition Formed to Respond
Event May 11, 2017
SCAN NATOA Conference and STAR Awards Ceremony
2017 STAR Awards
Event Apr 27, 2017
Wireless Telecommunications: What Every Local Government Needs to Know
WATOA Annual Spring Conference
Press Releases Apr 24, 2017
Telecommunications Law Attorney Joseph Van Eaton Selected to Super Lawyers D.C.
Washington, D.C.-Based Partner Recognized for Communications
Event Apr 21, 2017
IMLA’s 2017 Mid-Year Seminar
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2017
CPUC Rulemaking Opens Door to Revisit Impacts of Wireless in Public Rights of Way
Local Governments Should Respond by May 3
Legal Alerts Apr 18, 2017
California Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Local Governments Need to Voice Their Concerns Before April 26 Hearing
BB&K In the News Apr 04, 2017
Riverside County Seeks Investors for Broadband Initiative
BB&K Assisted with RFP Drafting
Event Mar 27, 2017
An Ocean of Information
SEATOA'S 2017 Annual Broadband & PEG Conference
Press Releases Mar 23, 2017
BB&K Breaks on to Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top Law Firms List
Firm’s Los Angeles Office Makes Debut at No. 173
Event Mar 10, 2017
Dealing with DIVCA: The Issues and Strategies
ACM Western Regional Conference and Trade Show – Cultivating Community
Event Feb 28, 2017
Webinar: Wireless Siting Rules
MyLawCLE Event Co-Sponsored with the Federal Bar
BB&K In the News Feb 13, 2017
Tech Tools: Partner Gerard Lederer Shares His Favorite with Washington Lawyer
It’s About Connection
Event Jan 27, 2017
Planning, Zoning, and Development Law Update
UCLA Extension's 31st Annual Land Use Law & Planning Conference
Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2017
The Trump Infrastructure Plan
How BB&K Can Help Your Agency Position and Respond
Event Jan 17, 2017
Webinar: Telecommunications Issues in the Trump Administration
Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 10, 2017
HUD Issues New Broadband Mandates
Rules Ensure Broadband-Ready Developments
Event Dec 12, 2016
The Courts, the Hill and the FCC - A Year in Review and Setting the Stage for 2017
eNATOA Webinar
Legal Alerts Sep 28, 2016
Regulation of Antennas In Rights of Way Based on Aesthetic Concerns Upheld
Court Allows City’s Ordinance
Event Sep 09, 2016
Cell and Wireless Tower Law
Live Video Webcast
Key Contacts
Connected Industries
Related Practices
- Business Licensing & Franchising
- California Public Utilities Commission
- Charters & Internal Organizations
- Comprehensive Code Enforcement
- Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing
- Environmental Law & Natural Resources
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- Government Relations
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
- Public Agency Litigation
- Public Contracts & Construction
- Public Finance
- Public Safety
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Transportation
- Water