Private Wireless Systems, Spectrum, and Regulation

Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications practice helps clients navigate the continuously evolving wireless and spectrum regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and other regulatory agencies.

Private Wireless Solutions for Critical Infrastructure Companies

Keller and Heckman represents hundreds of critical infrastructure company clients, including utilities, railroads, energy companies, and public safety entities, in securing radiofrequency authorizations and important rule waivers from the FCC to operate essential internal wireless communications systems.

Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications practice has a deep understanding of FCC, FAA, and state tower regulation and registration requirements and procedures. Our attorneys and licensing specialists have decades of in-depth experience in wireless licensing and compliance issues facing spectrum users and work extensively with FCC staff and other regulatory authorities to secure and modify station authorizations, assign and transfer license control, obtain rule waivers, and address other licensing matters pertaining to private wireless systems and satellite earth station facilities.

Spectrum Acquisition

Keller and Heckman helps clients with the acquisition of wireless spectrum through spectrum leasing, the purchase and sale of licenses, license partitions, disaggregations, and FCC auctions. We guide clients through each step of the process, including identifying available spectrum, conducting due diligence on those spectrum options, drafting and negotiating spectrum lease and asset purchase arrangements, and securing regulatory authority for the acquisition. We assist with acquiring spectrum for all of FCC wireless frequency allocations, including the 220 MHz band, AMTS (217/219 MHz), VHF/UHF Part 22 Paging, the 1.4 GHz band, Part 90 land mobile channels, 900 MHz, the 2.5 GHz EBS/BRS band, the 700 MHz band, the 6 GHz band, CBRS, private LTE, and others. In addition, we provide spectrum valuation guidance and have negotiated scores of spectrum rebanding and relocation agreements.

Wireless Policy

Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications attorneys advocate for major trade organizations, infrastructure and critical industry clients, emerging technology startups, and equipment manufacturers by meeting with policymakers and participating in regulatory proceedings on private wireless policy matters before the FCC, FAA, NTIA, and other regulatory agencies.

Equipment Manufacturers

Keller and Heckman advises manufacturers on FCC equipment authorization requirements and strategies for dealing with non-conforming equipment. We also assist innovative equipment manufacturers and retailers in obtaining experimental FCC licenses to test new wireless technologies in real-world operating environments.

Internet of Things (IoT) Technology

Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications practice attorneys also engage with our Privacy, Data Security, and Digital Media practice attorneys to advise clients on developing, marketing, and deploying Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Representative Matters

Represented clients in nearly every significant wireless rulemaking proceeding at the FCC
Represented a major trade association in the highly contested FCC proceedings adopting the rules and policies governing the CAF II and RDOF Phase 1 reverse auctions
Represented prospective broadband users regarding the substantive rules and bidding procedures for the 2020 CBRS auction (Auction 105) and 896-901/935-940 MHz band incumbents in proposing protections for the realignment of the 900 MHz band