Fasken fields a strong communications industry group that specializes in telecoms and broadcasting law, regularly acting before regulators such as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Department of Innovation and the Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The team has broad expertise across telecoms matters, having dealt with spectrum and market access issues before ISED for mobile, fixed wireless and satellite clients, as well as advises on licensing and service provider registration, regulatory compliance and Canadian ownership and transfers of ownership and control. It is well-versed in communications contracts, anti-spam legislation, telemarketing regulation, emergency services and potential telecoms disputes. Practice head Leslie Milton sits in Ottawa and is sought out for her knowledge on telecoms, radiocommunications, telemarketing and regulations. Scott Prescott also resides in Ottawa and is the go-to for broadcasting matters, while Barbara Miller handles a mix of regulatory and licensing issues from Toronto.

McCarthy Tétrault has a sizeable communications team that is noted for its litigation work. It has represented clients in issues before the Supreme Court of Canada and has been guiding clients through cases involving the new regulations to the telecoms regime. The firm has also advised clients on the application, regulation and commercialization of new technologies such as 5G, driverless vehicles and novel applications of Wi-Fi systems. The firm advises a range of telecoms clients from telecom companies, satellite carriers, mobile and fixed wireless networks to cable operators, internet services and regulators in Canada. Practice head Brandon Kain is well-versed in representing broadcasting and telecoms clients in appeals, while co-head Keith Rose has expertise on novel issues such as spectrum and telecoms regulatory policies. Richard Lizius also co-leads the team and focuses on representing telecoms companies in disputes involving CRTC regulations and copyright disputes. Steven Mason is an IP specialist who is well-versed in acting on patent infringement claims and copyright issues for the telecoms sector. The practice is based in Toronto. Grant Buchanan retired from practice at the end of December 2024.

Dentons‘ communications law practice is led out of Ottawa by communications and public law expert Monica Song. She is noted for her work in the satellite and wireless sectors, she also advises cloud-based technology companies. She has been active in telecoms policy proceedings before the CRTC and represented clients in terrestrial spectrum auction run by ISED. The team represents overseas and domestic communication carriers, cable operators, audio-visual media companies, equipment and device companies, among other telecom entities. It is well-versed in the changing regulatory issues affecting streaming services and online platforms in Canada and also assists clients with a range of transactions. Carl MacQuarrie is the go-to counsel for satellite and spectrum licensing issues as well as requirements impacting broadband deployment projects.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP centres its communications practice on regulatory issues and transactions within the telecoms and broadcasting sectors. The firm assists telecoms companies and companies that utilize communication technology on regulatory issues, such as regulatory filings, compliance and interactions with the CRTC. Sunny Handa spearheads the Montréal practice and works across corporate, commercial and compliance issues for the communications sector. Céline Poitras is a key member of the team and excels in assisting domestic and overseas clients with Canadian regulations and regulators for public proceedings, licensing and annual filings. She also advises on corporate transactions involving telecom companies.

Goodmans LLP advises media clients on broadcasting and telecom issues as well as consumer protection and privacy. The firm is adept at handling litigation on behalf of telecom companies involving regulatory issues and the Broadcasting Act. Michael Koch and Monique McAlister both co-lead the team from Toronto. Koch is a competition and foreign investment specialist who is well-versed on regulatory issues and copyright law, while McAlister handles AI, consumer protection and communication matters.

Stikeman Elliott LLP leverages its corporate expertise to represent telecom clients in M&A transactions. The firm is well-versed in both regulatory and commercial issues that affect the communications industry and has a wealth of expertise handling large transactions involving issues such as restrictive foreign ownership. The team is also equipped to advise on the anti-spam legislation and assists clients with understanding the regulation and developing compliance strategies and programs. Practice head David Elder leads on broadcasting and telecoms proceedings involving licensing, policy matters and competition issues; he is based in Ottawa.