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Matthew S. DelNero

Partner

Washington +1 202 662 5543

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Matt DelNero provides expert regulatory counsel to companies of all sizes in the telecommunications, technology and media sectors. As a former senior official with the FCC and longtime private practitioner, Matt helps clients achieve their goals and navigate complex regulatory and public policy challenges.

    Matt serves as co-chair of Covington’s Technology & Communications Regulation (“TechComm”) Practice Group and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiative.

    Matt advises clients on the full range of issues impacting telecommunications, technology and media providers today, including:

    • Structuring and securing FCC and other regulatory approvals for media and telecommunications transactions.
    • Obtaining approval for foreign investment in broadcasters and telecommunications providers.
    • Broadband funding under federal and state programs, including under the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) and NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
    • Representing broadcasters, media networks, and other content owners and producers on both existing and proposed FCC regulations and policies.
    • FCC enforcement actions and inquiries.
    • Online video accessibility, including under the Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
    • Equipment authorizations for IoT and other devices.
    • Spectrum policy and auctions, including for 5G.
    • Privacy and data protection, with a focus on telecommunications and broadband providers.

    Matt also maintains an active pro bono practice representing LGBTQ+ and other asylum seekers, as well as veterans petitioning for discharge upgrades—including discharges under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and predecessor policies that targeted LGBTQ+ servicemembers.

    Prior to rejoining Covington in January 2017, Matt served as Chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau. He played a leading role in development of policies around net neutrality, broadband privacy, and broadband deployment and affordability under the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

    Chambers USA ranks Matt within “Band 1” in his field and reports that he is a “go-to attorney for complex matters before the FCC and other federal agencies, drawing on impressive former government experience.” It also quotes clients who praise him as “an outstanding regulatory lawyer...[who] understands the intersection between what’s important for the client’s operations and how the law impacts those operations."

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters
    • Represented The Walt Disney Co., Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox Corp., TelevisaUnivision, and Paramount Global in development of rules governing the transition of satellite programming downlinks to a repacked “C-band,” as part of major 5G spectrum auction.
    • Serve as U.S. regulatory counsel to TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media and content company in the world, in strategic, policy, regulatory, and transactional matters, including the sale of a majority of its stock to private equity investors in 2020.
    • Advised leading private equity fund GTCR in:
      • Structuring and obtaining regulatory approvals for acquisitions of Northland Communications, Vyve Broadband, and Eagle Communications, all as part of the fund’s Mega Broadband Investments venture.
      • Structuring and obtaining regulatory approvals for acquisition of Point Broadband, LLC.
      • Negotiating acceptance of a minority investment by Cable One in Mega Broadband Investments.
      • Acquisition of Consumer Cellular, a leading provider of postpaid wireless services with a focus on the 50+ demographic.

    • Represent Grain Management, a leading private equity firm focused on investments in the global communications sector, as FCC and state regulatory counsel in multiple transactions, including in acquisitions of:
      • Great Plains Communications
      • InterCarrier Networks
      • Ritter Communications
      • Summit Broadband
      • Hunter Communications
      • Enhanced Telecommunications Corp. (ETC)
    • Advised Cox Enterprises in obtaining FCC and national security (“Team Telecom”) approvals for Cox Media Group’s sale of its television and radio stations to funds managed by Apollo Global Management.
    • Represent TDS Telecommunications Corp. before the FCC, including in successfully advocating for increased funding for rural broadband deployment under the FCC’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Harvard Law School, J.D., 2003
        • magna cum laude
    • Tufts University, B.A., 1998
        • summa cum laude
        • Phi Beta Kappa
    Bar Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    Government Experience
    • Federal Communications Commission
    Accolades
    • Variety, Legal Impact Report (2020-2023)
    • Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers, Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite (2012-2013; 2019-2023)
    • Washington DC Super Lawyers, "Rising Star" (2013-2014)
    • ASCAP/Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition, National First Prize (2003)
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA)
      • Elected Officer, Treasurer (2022-2024)
      • Elected Member, Executive Committee (2019-2022)
      • Elected Member, Nominations Committee (2016-2018)
      • Co-Chair, Internet of Things Committee (2017-2018)
      • Co-Chair, Wireless Committee (2011-2013)
      • Co-Chair, Mass Media Committee (2010-2011)
    Previous Experience
    • Federal Communications Commission, Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau
    • Federal Communications Commission, Deputy Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau

    Areas of Expertise

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