Telecommunications, Internet, and Media

Richard Firestone's practice covers a wide range of telecommunications, information and technology issues, domestic and international, and a broad spectrum of clients, including large firms and new entrants, service providers and users, and government entities. He helps clients adapt to rapidly changing regulatory structures and marketplace realities. Whether involved in the strategic planning or implementation of a new venture or a merger or acquisition, advising with respect to the impact of a new technology, negotiating contracts, representing clients before regulatory agencies or in court or arbitration proceedings, Mr. Firestone brings a breadth and depth of experience and judgment to client's issues.

Before joining Arnold & Porter LLP, he served as Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As one of the most senior communications law and policy makers in the federal government, Mr. Firestone headed the bureau responsible for the regulation of US telephone, cellular, satellite and other technology companies, as well as the development and implementation of federal policy with respect to the full spectrum of issues affecting users, manufacturers, suppliers and providers of telecommunications and related services and equipment. Prior to his tenure at the FCC, Mr. Firestone served as Chief Counsel for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, responsible for legal, legislative and policy analyses and recommendations related to the domestic and international telecommunications and information industries.

Telecommunications, Internet, and Media Representative Matters

• Advising a start-up IP-enabled services provider, including strategic advice, FCC regulatory analyses, contract negotiations, patent and trademark filings, securities offerings, and corporate acquisitions.
• Advising national consumer services and consumer products companies on laws and regulations governing telemarketing, faxing, and email communications with customers and prospective customers, at the US federal level, in individual US states, and in Canada.
• Advising firms on testing, authorization, labeling and import requirements for electronic products being imported to the US.
• Advising foreign firms on compliance with US regulatory requirements.
• Advised telecommunications provider from start-up through IPO and ultimate sale, including strategic advice, FCC filings, litigation, state regulatory representation, contract negotiations, securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions.
• Advised electric power transmission entity on entry into lease of fiber optic transmission capacity, and represented entity in later arbitration proceedings.
• Represented the Government of Panama in negotiation of Telecommunications Chapter of proposed Free Trade Agreement with US.
• Negotiated contracts for the acquisition of telecommunications services, in the US and globally, ranging from single location businesses through US$100 million plus national networks, including, e.g., representing voice recognition service provider n negotiations for telecommunications capacity, service agreements and equity investments.
• Represented satellite-based service providers in the FCC's rewrite of its rules governing satellite earth stations, in establishing the concept and structure for network licensing and access to satellites, and other regulatory, equipment authorization and product safety issues.
• Served as arbitrator in international contract and international settlements dispute.