Wireless Telecommunications & Broadband

Everyone who owns a smart phone or tablet knows that communications technologies are developing at a mind-numbing pace. The nation needs communications infrastructure that can keep up with our rapidly unfolding technologies. Newmeyer Dillion has over 20 years of experience in helping communications companies deploy their telecommunications and broadband networks nationwide. We understand that the telecommunications industry is being called to rapidly deploy their systems, even as they face delays in obtaining zoning and land use permits from state and local government.

We have been at the cutting edge of the convergence of law and technology, leading the charge in obtaining approvals for hundreds of small cell and fiber-optic broadband deployments. We are known as problem solvers who understand the pressures faced by the industry in the global race to 5G. Newmeyer Dillion’s services are holistic and comprehensive. We guide the permit approval process from the application filing stage to the final decision.

Partner Michael Shonafelt has litigated numerous cases of first impression for the industry in both federal and state court. When others see a problem, we see solutions. We get the project done.

Frequent project needs include:

  • Assembling and directing cross-disciplinary teams in obtaining conditional use permits for private property sites
  • Providing comprehensive advice to wireless companies on accessing the public rights-of-way and other issues pertaining to statewide public rights-of-way franchise rights
  • Guiding wireless telecommunications companies through the CEQA process and providing advice on matters pertaining to the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Utilities Code sections 7901 and 7901.1 and the Coastal Act
  • Providing advice regarding rights that inhere from existing conditional use permits, including counsel to wireless companies for ongoing site upgrades and site modifications
  • Negotiating leases
  • Providing in-depth litigation counsel in both federal and state courts on wireless telecommunications sting issues