Covington’s lawyers have assisted satellite companies at various stages in those companies’ life cycles. Reflecting the breadth of legal concerns facing a satellite provider, our work in this area involves such issues as FCC and foreign regulation, corporate and transactional matters, foreign investment, export control, intellectual property rights, competition law, and insurance.
Beyond legal issues facing clients in this space, our attorneys understand the technologies driving the satellite industry. We have advised clients on projects including the development of a technology for wireless telecommunications using very high-range spectrum; the development of spectrum-sharing technology allowing an entire industry to develop in a spectrum band already occupied by incumbent users; and taking advantage of digital compression by establishing national networks of microwave paths that can accommodate numerous users.
Representative Matters
- We represented Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. in a $100 million bond offering.
- We represent a foreign satellite manufacturer on general corporate and securities law issues regarding its activities with a US company developing a new satellite-based communications service.
- We represent Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), an L-band MSS provider that has an authorization for a next generation service using ancillary terrestrial components (ATC), in corporate and transactional matters, including equity and debt financing.
- For SES Americom, we provided advice and advocacy at the FCC and DOJ concerning the impact of the News Corp. acquisition of Hughes Electronics (and its subsidiary, PanAmSat), on competition in the satellite distribution services industry.
- For New Skies, a spin-off of Intelsat, we have provided FCC advice and also have handled arbitration, litigation, export control and intellectual property projects.
Accolades
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Communications practice in 2004-2007.
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Communications Finance practice in 2006.
- Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading Media and Entertainment practice in 2006-2007.
- Ranked by Practical Law Company (PLC) as a leading Communications practice in 2005 & 2006.
- 2 attorneys recognized in International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers for Regulatory Communications (2005-2006).
- Our partners have significant experience outside of the practice ─ for example, on Capitol Hill, where they were deeply involved in the development of telecommunications legislation, and in the executive suites of major and highly visible media companies.
- Our partners have over the years held leadership positions in major associations in the media field ─ including the Federal Communications Bar Association, the International Radio and Television Society Foundation, the Media Institute and the Media Law Resource Center.
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