Bird & Bird LLP acts in close cooperation with the IT team and advises a diverse client roster from the hightech sector, including convergent ICT service providers, traditional telecommunications network operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and re-sellers; interfacing data protection matters are also covered. The advisory capacities include broadband projects and investments in infrastructure, including municipal and regulatory aspects, as well as transaction support. Practice head Sven-Erik Heun focuses on convergent products, outsourcing and platform projects as well as regulatory and data protection law. He is supported by senior counsel Valerian Jenny, who is experienced in compliance as well as clients’ representation before the authorities. Alexander Duisberg (technology and data-related topics; digital business models) joined Ashurst LLP in February 2023, while the two transaction specialists Hans Peter Leube and Marianne Nawroth joined Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in January 2024.
Telecoms in Germany
Bird & Bird LLP
Praxisleiter:
Sven-Erik Heun
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Valerian Jenny; Simon Assion; Anke Dieckhoff
Referenzen
‘High level of specialist knowledge, very quick feedback. Pragmatic and well-founded solutions, cooperative nature, friendly approach.’
‘Bird & Bird is highly competent and extremely reliable in daily and strategic cooperations.’
‘Sven-Erik Heun is a true professional who not only has extensive telecommunications and IT know-how, but also very successfully takes an active role for clients in specific contract negotiations. In Sven-Erik’s team, Anke Dieckhoff is particularly notable for her daily collaboration and processing/documentation of complex contracts.’
‘Professional cooperation and professional team. Good mutual understanding and trust. Good coverage and understanding of our specific topics and areas of law.’
‘Sven-Erik Heun: Good responsiveness; Fast and accurate feedback on individual topics.’
‘Great team with the best and broadest lineup in the telecommunications market.’
‘Sven-Erik Heun has been the pacesetter in telecommunications law for years. He is always familiar with the latest developments, both technical and legal. Anke Dieckhoff is a strong lawyer and certainly has a great legal career ahead of her.’
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Noerr
Noerr follows an interdisciplinary approach and routinely advises at the interfaces with regulatory, corporate and antitrust law. This expertise is called upon by telecommunications providers, including Deutsche Telekom, companies in the technology sector and increasingly by players from the satellite-based telecommunications segment in connection with transactions, strategic cooperations and regulatory issues. Practice head Tobias Frevert focuses on transactions and project work, while regulatory matters are covered by Tobias Bosch and Julian von Lucius; Bosch regularly assists with regulatory procedures and operational contract negotiations. Pascal Schumacher complements this offering with expertise in interfacing data protection matters.
Praxisleiter:
Tobias Frevert
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tobias Bosch; Pascal Schumacher; Julian von Lucius
Referenzen
‘Clear and fast communication. Great specialist knowledge and well-structured presentation for further use in the company.’
‘Pascal Schumacher: Great competence and industry-specific specialist knowledge paired with clear communication and quick accessibility.’
‘The firm has a strong understanding of technology and telecommunications as well as a deep understanding of the law and its intricacies.’
‘We rely heavily on Pascal Schumacher, not only for his in-depth knowledge of the law, but also for his practical advice when faced with legal ambiguities.’
Kernmandanten
Telekom Deutschland AG
Cisco International Ltd.
Day Wireless
Inmarsat
Spoke Safety LLC
Alibaba
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising and representing Deutsche Telekom on various (regulatory) topics. In particular on the sale of the radio tower division, advice on subscriber connection fees and fiber optic expansion.
- Telecommunications and data protection law advice to Microsoft, including on Teams, Skype, Outlook and Azure.
- Advising satellite operator Inmarsat on a contract with Lufthansa Group to provide broadband internet services to passengers on aircraft in continental fleets.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's team is led by senior counsel Caroline Heinickel, who is a key contact for clients from the IT/C industry and assists with over-the-top regulation and machine-to-machine communication. Former co-head Joachim Scherer (regulatory law) retired in June 2023. The team primarily supports telecommunications companies, IT service providers, app developers and manufacturers of communications hardware in the planning, development and introduction of new business models. Among the core competencies are regulatory and contract law, including cross-border matters, as well as the implementation of machine-to-machine business models; recent instructions pertain to connected cars as well as frequency regulatory advice on 5G-related matters and broadband expansion. This is complemented by regulatory expertise in the satellite-based telecommunications industry. Holger Lutz (IT and data protection) joined Clifford Chance in June 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Caroline Heinickel
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Johannes Döveling; Andreas Neumann
Referenzen
‘Baker McKenzie supports complex telecommunications policy and licensing matters in Germany and Europe. Innovation and efficiency is the best description of Baker’s approach to solving problems.’
‘Caroline Heinickel offers excellent support in telecommunications licensing issues. She is very knowledgeable not only in German but also in international affairs.’
‘We have been working together in a trusting manner for many years and can always rely on the expertise and good networking of the team, who not only provide up-to-date information on a daily basis as well as in the long term.’
Kernmandanten
Bandwidth Inc.
Telefónica
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- Advising Bandwidth Inc. on the acquisition of Voxbone SA. Advice on conducting telecommunications law and regulatory due diligence in more than 40 countries.
- Advising Rakuten on a long-term partnership with 1&1 to build its own mobile network. Together with 1&1, Rakuten will build the first fully virtualized mobile network in Europe based on the innovative OpenRAN technology.
- Ongoing compliance advice to Telefónica with regard to telecommunications regulatory requirements at EU and national level.
CMS
Clients from the telecoms, media and communications sectors, including traditional telecommunications providers and cable network operators, frequently instruct CMS on regulatory and contract law issues as well as on matters at the interfaces with corporate and financing law. Transactions and regulatory issues, which frequently pertain to fibre optic expansion, are handled by Jens Neitzel. The team is also experienced in dispute resolution.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jens Neitzel; Ralf Dierck
Referenzen
‘Strong telecommunications/infrastructure team. Great specialist knowledge and pragmatic implementation.’
‘Jens Neitzel: Great expertise; excellent, experienced negotiator.’
‘Great support, great commitment at a high professional level. Very efficient service.’
Kernmandanten
WEMAG AG
Telefónica
Vodafone
AVACOMM Systems
EWE TEL
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- Preparation and negotiation of various operational contracts for Vodafone GmbH as part of the establishment of a joint venture with the Altice Group.
- Support for Vodafone Germany in the successful continuation of the third appeal proceedings against Telekom Deutschland GmbH (TDG) due to excessive fees for the use of cable duct systems.
- Advising a major bank in connection with loan agreements to finance fiber optic projects in Germany.
Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller's team follows a cross-practice approach and routinely advises at the interfaces with IT, media and regulatory law as well as M&A, including litigation. Among the recent instructions are regulatory matters pertaining to 5G frequency allocation as well as the expansion of the 5G mobile network; regulatory requirements, such as compliance with the Federal Network Agency's rollout requirements, as well as German and European telecommunications antitrust law issues are other core topics. The antitrust law interface also includes clients' representation in proceedings before the Federal Network Agency, the Federal Cartel Office and the EU Commission. Katharina Hesse is a key contact for transaction support, while administrative and regulatory expert Wolfgang Spoerr is also experienced in litigation.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Wolfgang Spoerr; Tobias Schubert; Katharina Hesse; Dirk Uwer
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Jones Day
Jones Day routinely supports clients from the telecoms, satellite, aviation and IT industries in regulatory matters and in regulatory proceedings, including proceedings before the Federal Network Agency and court proceedings, practice head Holger Neumann is a key contact here. Noteworthy is the representation of Google in model proceedings pertaining to the regulation of over-the-top services. He also advises on frequency allocation and frequency transmission, compliance projects, the regulation of drones and connected driving projects.
Praxisleiter:
Holger Neumann
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Bijan Tavakoli
Referenzen
‘A good and loyal companion in the telecommunications market for years with always very good market knowledge and good background information. Highly respected by the regulator because of their calm demeanor.’
‘Holger Neumann has stood out for years and has maintained his good position in the telecommunications market.’
Kernmandanten
Kyndryl
Inmarsat Ventures
Google Germany
Verizon Deutschland
Highlight-Mandate
- Since the successful representation of Google before the Federal Network Agency in the administrative court proceedings and proceedings before the ECJ regarding Gmail’s reporting obligation, further advice and representation of Google on various regulatory issues before the BNetzA (Federal Network Agency).
- Advising a radio mast operator with regard to accelerating broadband expansion, in particular on measures to speed up the approval process for mobile masts.
- Successful procedural and legal representation of the satellite operator Inmarsat in frequency allocation proceedings before the BNetzA (Federal Network Agency) and in a challenge action by a competitor before the Cologne Administrative Court against frequency allocation.
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB advises on various matters in the telecoms sector, including infrastructure expansion projects as well as customer service matters and was recently increasingly active in cross-border matters. The support in 5G, fibre optic and broadband expansion projects regularly includes contract drafting, investment-related topics and market entry, as well as regulatory issues; Marc Salevic is a key contact for the latter area and frequently acts on behalf of network operators and network holding companies. The team also assists with contentious matters at the interface between competition and consumer protection law. Issues pertaining to connected cars, eCalls and smart cities are also covered, thanks to Stephan Appt‘s expertise in the automotive, IT and data protection segments.
Praxisleiter:
Marc Salevic; Stephan Appt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Florian von Baum; Rebecca Trampe-Berger
Referenzen
‘Marc Salevic has excellent knowledge of telecommunications law and is also a good expert on the telecommunications industry itself.’
Kernmandanten
Unsere Grüne Glasfaser
LokViertel OS GmbH
Invesis Deutschland GmbH
Honda Motor Europe Ltd.
Telefonica
SWE Digital GmbH
Stadtwerke Bielefeld
ContextLogic Inc.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advice on telecommunications law to Unser Grüne Glasfaser GmbH & Co. KG on its market entry in fiber optic expansion.
- Advising Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH on the development of a sustainable and smart city district with a data and computing campus as a research and start-up center for artificial intelligence.
- Advising Invesis Deutschland GmbH with regard to its market entry in fiber optic expansion.
Ashurst LLP
Ashurst LLP's infrastructure support focuses on transactions and contract-related issues, including related financing matters. Here, the team assists with projects in connection with mobile communications, data centres and fibre optics. Stephan Hennrich is a key contact here and jointly heads the practice with Andreas Mauroschat, who also focuses on transactions and regularly advises at the interfaces with IT, IP and data protection. Alexander Duisberg is well versed in technology and data-related topics as well as digital business models; he joined the team from Bird & Bird LLP in February 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Andreas Mauroschat; Stephan Hennrich
Referenzen
‘Derk Opitz has an excellent standing in the market: fantastic skills, he actually does things instead of just talking.’
‘Ashurst has very good expertise in the field of fiber optics. The team around Derk Opitz works efficiently.’
‘Derk Opitz manages to maintain an overview even in difficult situations and to work out sensible compromises for both sides.’
Kernmandanten
MEAG und Ärzteversorgung Westfalen-Lippe
1&1 Towers GmbH
1&1 Mobilfunk GmbH
1&1 AG
Drillisch Online GmbH
Telxius
John Laing Group plc
NordLB, RBI and LBBW
DNS Net
Kommunalkreditbank, NIBC and UBS
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- Advising MEAG and Ärzteversorgung Westfalen-Lippe (ÄVWL) on the establishment of the joint venture Open German Fiber with Primevest Capital Partners as an additional partner. The joint venture will build passive fiber optic network infrastructure (FTTH – Fiber to the Home) and lease it to an operator.
- Advising the 1&1 Group on the rollout of the passive mobile communications infrastructure; Advice on concluding a contract with Eubanet GmbH for the acquisition of up to 7,500 new antenna locations.
- Advising 1&1 Mobilfunk GmbH, a subsidiary of 1&1 AG, on concluding a contract with GfTD GmbH for the expansion of the fourth German mobile communications network.
Dentons
Dentons' team offers a cross-practice approach and advises at the interfaces with M&A as well as regulatory, administrative and contract law; this is also mirrored in the team members' individual focus areas: Volker Junghanns is a regulation and contract law expert and Christian Miercke, who joined the partner roster in April 2023, frequently acts at the interfaces with state aid and procurement law. This expertise is regularly called upon in connection with commercial contract drafting, product launches, cooperation agreements, telecommunications consumer protection regulations and transactions in the fibre optic and broadband segments. The practice is also experienced in proceedings before the Federal Network Agency.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Volker Junghanns; Julia Pfeil; Christian Miercke; Andreas Schuler
Referenzen
‘Christian Miercke: Very responsive and service-oriented.’
‘The work of Christian Miercke and Volker Junghanns as part of a fiber optic project was outstandingly result-oriented and effective.’
‘Draft contracts on various topics within the project were drawn up in a legally and technically flawless manner.’
Kernmandanten
goetel GmbH
GlasfaserPlus GmbH
Stadtwerke Hamm GmbH
Tata Communications
EFN Eifel-Net Internet Provider GmbH
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- Advising goetel GmbH in precedent proceedings when asserting claims for network access to publicly funded networks in accordance with § 155 TKG.
- Advising GlasfaserPlus GmbH on the process of issuing a regulatory order before the BNetzA (Federal Network Agency). Additionally, advice on drafting wholesale contracts with customers, information obligations towards the BNetzA and access to other networks.
- Advising Stadtwerke Hamm GmbH on negotiations with an infrastructure fund to conclude a joint venture project.
Dolde Mayen & Partner
Dolde Mayen & Partner focuses on regulatory advice and regularly assists German telecommunications providers, including the long-term client Deutsche Telekom AG. The service offering includes clients' representation before the Federal Network Agency and the European Court of Justice as well as support in administrative proceedings. Practice head Thomas Mayen boasts similar competencies and also acts at the anitrust law interface. Christian Stelter handles IT and data protection issues and Barbara Stamm is well versed in public commercial law and telecommunications antitrust law.
Praxisleiter:
Thomas Mayen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Barbara Stamm; Christian Stelter
Referenzen
‘Small but very good public law boutique with excellent lawyers who work together excellently.’
‘Dr. Christian Stelter: Excellent specialist expertise in telecommunications law (particularly frequency regulation and telecommunications security law). Excellent understanding of complex technical issues and excellent legal preparation.’
‘The team has years of expertise in the field of telecommunications law. The tasks are carried out concisely and reliably.’
Kernmandanten
Deutsche Telekom AG
Telekom Deutschland GmbH
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Greenberg Traurig Germany
Greenberg Traurig Germany focuses on supporting telecommunications providers and housing companies in the development and implementation of business models, infrastructure projects and in regulatory issues pertaining to broadband and multimedia supply; practice head Christoph Enaux is a key contact here. Also noteworthy is the expertise in interfacing real estate matters. The practice also advises on supply-related matters in connection with the TKG amendment, telecommunications law issues and transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Christoph Enaux
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lucas Wüsthof
Referenzen
‘The team has excellent knowledge of the telecommunications market and telecommunications regulation.’
‘Dr. Christoph Enaux is one of the leading legal telecommunications consultants for the housing industry in Germany. Strategic skills, the ability to communicate facts to non-lawyers and the understanding of structural and technical connections in multi-occupation buildings are outstanding.’
‘Christoph Enaux has a unique knowledge of legal, technical and commercial contexts.’
Kernmandanten
Altice Luxemburg SA (Altice)
Vonovia SE
LEG Immobilien AG
TataComm
Marienfeld Multimedia GmbH
GdW
Media Broadcast
Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH
Gewobag AG
Gesobau AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Altice Luxembourg SA on the establishment of a joint venture with Vodafone Group Plc to build a nationwide fiber optic network. The joint venture, in which both companies will each have a 50% stake, will invest up to € 7 billion in fiber optic expansion in Germany.
- Advising TataComm on various tenders for the provision of telecommunications services and broadcasting services, including tenders for ZDF, WDR, Volkswagen and Brose.
GvW Graf von Westphalen
GvW Graf von Westphalen advises on traditional telecommunications law matters and increasingly assists with satellite and space law issues. Practice head Grace Nacimiento focuses on regulatory support, including the representation in regulatory and court proceedings. Among the core topics are the allocation and use of frequency and number resources for digital business models, connected cars, the Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communication.
Praxisleiter:
Grace Nacimiento
Kernmandanten
Airdata AG
Transatel SAS
1&1 Telecom GmbH
1&1 Versatel Deutschland GmbH
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Loschelder
Loschelder offers public and civil law expertise in the media, energy, postal and rail transport sectors and is regularly instructed on network access, including access requirements and tariffs. Among the client roster are German telecommunications companies, broadcasters and companies in the postal sector, which benefit from the expertise in interfacing data protection and IT law; the team also represents clients before regulatory authorities and courts. Practice head Raimund Schütz complements this with antitrust law expertise.
Praxisleiter:
Raimund Schütz
Kernmandanten
QVC Handel S.à.r.l. & Co. KG
EWE TEL GmbH
Vodafone
ecotel communication ag
Orange Business Services GmbH
Innofactory GmbH
Gropyus Technologies GmbH
CANYON Bicycles
1&1 AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Advice and representation of 1&1 Versatel Deutschland AG, BT (Germany) GmbH & Co. oHG, Colt Technology Services GmbH, ecotel communication ag; EWE TEL GmbH, HL komm Telecommunications GmbH, Plusnet GmbH and Vodafone GmbH (VATM) in central regulatory proceedings before the BNetzA (Federal Network Agency) regarding wholesale products from Telekom Deutschland GmbH in the leased line market.
- Advising GROPYUS Technologies GmbH on IT and data protection law on the establishment of its smart home offering. The mandate has a strong IoT background, including telecommunications and energy law issues in tenant supply.
- Advising 1&1 AG on data protection issues.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is experienced in advising on the expansion of districts, cities and housing associations, including fixed networks, fibre optic, WiFi and 5G, and covers related corporate and procurement law issues; the team also assists with contract drafting as well as review and complaint proceedings. A recent growth area is the regulatory monitoring of WiFi-related services in cars and aircrafts. Practice head Wulff-Axel Schmidt complements this advice offering with expertise at the IT and data protection interface.
Referenzen
‘The skills and knowledge that Luther offers are certainly an asset for clients.’
‘I appreciate that the support offered is always business-focused and tailored to the specifics of the business and strategy.’
Kernmandanten
Deutsche Telekom AG
Telefónica S.A.
NetCologne Gesellschaft für Telekommunikation mbH
Unsere Grüne Glasfaser GmbH & Co. KG
Riedel Communications GmbH & Co. KG
Stadt Leipzig
Stadt Chemnitz
Landkreis Mittelsachsen
Landkreis Nordsachsen
TEAG Thüringer Energie AG
Volkswagen
Eubanet GmbH
VXFIBER GmbH
Greenfiber Netz & Management GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Deutsche Telekom AG on IT, data protection and telecommunications law, including regulatory monitoring in the context of setting up WLAN services in automobiles and aircraft.
- Advising Volkswagen AG on the provision of IT and telecommunications services in vehicles.
- Advising the joint venture between Telefónica and Allianz Capital Partners, Unser Grüne Glasfaser GmbH & Co. KG, on the development of a fiber optic network in Germany for the distribution of TV, Internet and telephony.
Raue
Since 2022, Raue acts integrated into the European law firm network Le Club Telecom, which covers the TMT sector, and is therefore well positioned for cross-border issues. Core topics include the advice on new business models (including satellite broadcasting), fee regulation (including litigation) and infrastructure access matters; Kornelius Kleinlein is a key contact here. Kleinlein jointly heads the practice with Michael Bergmann, who advises on telecommunications law as well as antitrust and compliance matters.
Praxisleiter:
Kornelius Kleinlein; Michael Bergmann
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Daniel Schubert
Kernmandanten
Divicon Media Holding GmbH
HD Plus GmbH
Televic Rail