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    Global Problem Solving from Covington: Deal with Complex Problems Anywhere in the World

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.
    • Conducting regulatory due diligence for transactions in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors.
    • Obtaining approval for foreign investment in broadcasters and telecommunications providers.
    • Universal Service Fund (USF) programs, including the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF).
    • 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+ 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 has recognized Matt as a “go-to attorney for complex matters before the FCC and other federal agencies, drawing on impressive former government experience.”

    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 (2020-2022)
    • Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers, Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite (2012-2013; 2019-2022)
    • Legal 500 US, Technology: Data Protection and Privacy; Telecoms and Broadcast: Regulatory and Transactional (2012-2013)
    • 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, Assistant Treasurer (2022-2023)
      • 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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