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Telecoms

Our Telecoms lawyers offer clients in-depth knowledge of the commercial, transactional, technical, legal and regulatory issues associated with telecoms services and products, including new technology, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In a connected world, telecommunications are fundamental to the success of private and public sector organizations, not least in developing economies and emerging markets. Broadband infrastructure is critical to developing Africa’s digital economy, regional networks are growing, smartphones are driving a digital revolution and new devices, products and services enabled by 5G and the IoT are coming.

With many decades of telecoms industry and regulatory experience, our capability covers the full spectrum of developed and emerging markets and the complete range of technologies: wireless, telephony, broadband, Internet, satellite and submarine cables. 

Local presence, global reach: we work in 20 African countries, providing an unrivalled local presence and insights backed by one of the world’s biggest business law firms. We understand the unique regulatory, legal, political and “doing business” issues wherever we work. Our global Africa team comprises more than 200 lawyers in Johannesburg, Casablanca, London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Perth, Hong Kong and Beijing. 

Teams serving the African continent assist clients on diverse matters ranging from multi-country and global deals, M&A, financing, contracts and agreements through traditional telecoms regulation and securing spectrum and regulatory approvals for emerging technology, to regional and global strategies for product development and new market entry.

Telecoms engineers are integrated within our teams to help ensure we remain up-to-date with complex and novel technologies, and their impact on business and regulatory issues of our clients.

Key capabilities include: 

  • major network infrastructure deployments
  • telecom transactions including mergers and acquisitions
  • financing, tax, corporate structuring
  • tower deals
  • spectrum access and use
  • authorizations and licensing
  • foreign ownership approvals
  • regulatory compliance/enforcement defence
  • RF equipment certification
  • content provision/usage
  • satellite/earth station authorizations
  • infrastructure deployment, including tower deals and submarine cables
  • network sharing
  • Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) launches
  • outsourcing of mobile network management
  • procuring IPTV platforms for telecommunications operators 

Please contact us to discuss how we can help you to achieve your objectives.