Baker McKenzie focuses on advising telecommunications and IT service providers on the planning, development and implementation of new business models nationally and abroad. The team also handles cross-border matters, thanks to the global network. Other core areas include broadband expansion, social media-related issues, regulatory and contract law as well as frequency regulatory advice and clients’ representation before national, European and international authorities and institutions. Mandates in the machine-to-machine communication segment constitute a growth area, where the team acted for German and foreign car manufacturers on issues pertaining to connected cars, while also assisting with the European Electronics Communications Code in connection with over-the-top offers. Joachim Scherer (national and European public commercial law) and senior counsel Caroline Heinickel (key contact for clients from the IT/C industry) jointly head the practice. Heinickel also heads the Cyber Security Task Force with Holger Lutz (IT) and Heiko Haller (litigation).
Telecoms in Germany
Baker McKenzie
Testimonials
‘Very well structured and fast cooperation possible at any time!’
‘Excellent availability and short response times. Proactive and independent work; Coordination and consultation whenever necessary.’
‘Very high professional level with very good implementation in practice. Flexible response to client requests.’
Key clients
Bandwidth Inc.
Telefónica
Work highlights
- Advice to Bandwidth Inc. on the acquisition of Voxbone SA. This included the implementation of telecommunications law and regulatory due diligence in more than 40 countries worldwide.
- Advising Rakuten on a long-term partnership with 1&1 to set up its own mobile network. Together with 1&1, Rakuten will build the first fully virtualized mobile network in Europe based on OpenRAN technology.
- Ongoing compliance advice to Telefónica with regard to telecommunications regulatory requirements at EU and national level and representing the client in a number of telecommunications disputes.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP impresses with traditional telecommunications law expertise as well as with the advice on convergent services. This combined advisory approach is utilised in cross-disciplinary and cross-locational regulatory issues as well as transactions and project work. The team focuses on the hightech sector and advises numerous service providers, network providers, resellers and providers of over-the-top services. Thanks to the close cooperation with the IT practice, the team also handles data protection issues, while the integration into the international network and in particular the cooperation with the locations in Great Britain, France and the Netherlands lead to frequent cross-border instructions. Telecommunications law specialist Sven-Erik Heun heads the team, which also includes senior counsel Valerian Jenny (telecoms, data protection and compliance), Simon Assion (focus on new developments) and Marianne Nawroth (transactions); the latter two made partners in May 2022.
Key clients
450connect GmbH
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Avaya
BRITA GmbH
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH
Hamburg Commercial Bank
j2 Global Ireland Limited
Lumen Technologies Germany GmbH
MK Netzdienste GmbH & Co. KG
Mobile One GmbH
NFON AG
NTT Ltd
Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
Twilio Ireland Ltd.
Verizon Deutschland GmbH / Verizon Connect
Voxbone SA/NV
Zoot
Work highlights
- Advising 450connect on all regulatory and frequency regulatory issues as well as other projects.
- Ongoing advice to Antin Infrastructure Partners as sole shareholder of Eurofiber on further financing rounds of a joint venture between Eurofiber and Vattenfall.
- Ongoing advice to a large IT company on expanding the scope of the TC area-specific data protection law to OTT services and on the implementation of the EECC (European Electronic Communications Code).
Noerr
A particular strength of Noerr ‘s telecommunications practice is the interdisciplinary full-service approach, combining regulatory, corporate and antitrust law expertise. This expertise is called upon by leading industry companies and is partly based on the ongoing advice to Deutsche Telekom on regulatory issues, transactions and fibre optic expansion projects. The team also expanded its client portfolio with players from the satellite-based telecommunications segment. Among the key contacts are Tobias Bosch, who specialises in telecommunications and media law, and Julian von Lucius, whose practice encompasses regulatory issues, public procurement law and infrastructure projects. Pascal Schumacher covers matters at the interface with data protection law, while practice head Tobias Frevert advises German and international clients on projects, cooperations and transactions.
Testimonials
‘Very flexible and pleasant atmosphere to work with.’
‘Extensive experience of legislation and real-world operations – the latter being very important – enabling advice on telecoms and privacy issues.’
‘Dr. Frank Hölscher is the lawyer par excellence in telecommunications consulting; due to his many years of experience, his outstanding understanding of business models and their specifics, he can provide tailor-made legal and regulatory advice and he is always available with advice and action if necessary.’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom AG
Telekom Deutschland GmbH
Accenture
Alibaba
BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
DAZN Germany
Finanz Informatik Technologie Service GmbH & Co. KG
GEMA
HD Plus GmbH
Inmarsat
Microsoft
Nuance Communications, Inc.
Opanga Networks, Inc.
Siemens AG
Work highlights
- Advising Deutsche Telekom AG on the establishment of a long-term partnership between its group company Telekom Deutschland GmbH and the Australian IFM Global Infrastructure Fund.
- Representation of Telekom Deutschland GmbH in regulatory issues, in particular leading supervision of the ECJ proceedings on StreamOn.
- Advising Telekom Deutschland GmbH on various cooperations, in particular on the joint venture withGlass Northwest and on the framework agreement for the long-term provision of the radio infrastructure for Deutsche Telekom’s mobile network by DFMG in the course of the sale of 51% of the shares in DFMG to international financial investors.
Beratung der Telekom Deutschland GmbH zu verschiedenen Kooperationen, insbesondere zum Joint Venture mit Glasfaser Nordwest und zum Rahmenvertrag über die langfristige Bereitstellung der Funkinfrastruktur für das Mobilfunknetz der Deutschen Telekom durch die DFMG im Zuge des Verkaufs von 51% der Anteile an der DFMG an internationale Finanzinvestoren.
CMS
CMS primarily assists clients from the telecoms, media and communications sector, offering comprehensive advice on proceedings, structurings, management, contracts as well as access and service agreements. The key contacts Jens Neitzel and Ralf Dierck are well versed in supporting corporate transactions as well as regulatory issues. The team also represents clients in contentious proceedings before the courts and authorities such as the Federal Network Agency, the Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission. Thanks to the firm’s international network and the interdisciplinary approach, the team also covers cross-border matters.
Key clients
WEMAG AG
Telefónica
Vodafone
AVACOMM Systems
EWE Tel
Voximplant
Comcross
Bechtle
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of regional energy suppliers on their participation in the 450connect GmbH joint venture.
- Representation of Vodafone Germany in the successful continuation of the second appeal procedure against Telekom Deutschland GmbH (TDG) for fraudulent excessive charges for the use of cable duct systems.
Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller offers comprehensive expertise in telecommunications law and the industry’s regulatory requirements as well as the close cooperation with the firm’s media practice, which recently led to an increased case load in matters pertaining to 5G frequency allocation. The team assists with contract drafting such as roaming and frequency licensing agreements, with further competencies in broadband and fibre optic matters. This is complemented by regular cross-practice cooperations with the infrastructure and antitrust experts. Sarah Milde made partner in January 2022, she is experienced in antitrust law.
Other key lawyers:
Wolfgang Spoerr; Albrecht Conrad; Fabian Seip; Katharina Hesse; Dirk Uwer; Sarah Milde
Jones Day
Jones Day fields renowned telecommunications law expert Holger Neumann, who, in addition to regulatory advice, also acts for telecommunications companies in proceedings before the Federal Network Agency and in court proceedings. The representation of Google in model proceedings pertaining to the regulation of over-the-top services, which was successfully concluded in 2020, deserves special mention. Recent matters include the Internet of Things, regulatory issues in connection with drones and projects in the connected driving segment. In addition, the practice covers frequency allocation, compliance and data protection issues as well as the interface competencies antitrust, orbital and administrative law.
Testimonials
‘Holger Neumann has known the market for many years and has very good contacts in the Federal Network Agency. With his level-headed demeanor, he manages to keep a cool head for a sensible compromise, even in heated debates.’
Key clients
Five9®
Vantage Towers AB
Kyndryl
Inmarsat Ventures
PPD, Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC
Verizon Deutschland
Work highlights
- Successful representation of Google against the Federal Network Agency in administrative court proceedings and proceedings before the ECJ regarding Gmail’s obligation to report; Further advice and representation of Google in various regulatory issues before the Federal Network Agency.
- Advising the operator of cell towers, Vantage Towers, which belongs to the Vodafone Group, with regard to the acceleration of the broadband expansion, in particular on measures to speed up the approval processes for cell phone towers.
- Successful procedural and legal representation of the satellite operator Inmarsat in frequency allocation proceedings before the Federal Network Agency and in a competitor’s rescission proceedings before the administrative courts against a frequency allocation.
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB acts on behalf of a versatile client portfolio that includes local authorities, service providers, municipal utilities and energy supply companies. The team focuses on advising investors and potential network operators on NGA expansion projects and the relevant development and negotiation of contracts for network construction, operation as well as access. The practice is among the most active in the German fibre optic expansion market and assists with numerous matters here. Led by Stephan Appt, the team also advises on procurement and regulatory proceedings as well as issues pertaining to smart cities, connected cars and convergent services.
Testimonials
‘Professional and experienced team.’
‘Unlike many market participants, the team also supports smaller network operators in disputes against the “big ones” and therefore represents a serious alternative in a market characterized by (possible) conflicts of interest.’
‘Mr. Salevic is characterized by good availability, client proximity and professional expertise. He does not limit himself to pure legal advice, but also advises on strategic considerations in dealing with competitors in the broadband market.’
Key clients
Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH
Bergische Energie und Wasser-GmbH
ContextLogic Inc.
Eigenbetrieb Stadtwerke Göppingen
Energie- und Wasserversorgung Rheine GmbH
Stadtwerke Bielefeld GmbH
Gemeinde Auenwald
moBiel GmbH
RheiNet GmbH
Stadt Winnenden
SWE Digital GmbH
Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
Telefónica Global Services GmbH
tkrz Stadtwerke GmbH
WSW Wuppertaler Stadtwerke GmbH
Invesis Deutschland GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice to Invesis Deutschland GmbH with regard to a possible market entry in fiber optic expansion.
- Advising Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH on the development of a sustainable and smart city quarter with a data and computing campus as a research and start-up center for artificial intelligence.
- Advising an energy supply company on contract negotiations regarding the fiber optic connection and smart grid capacity management for the implementation of a campus solution with several Tier IV data centers.
Dentons
Dentons ‘ team offers combined expertise in corporate/M&A, procurement law, regulatory matters as well as contract, administrative and state aid law. This full-service approach covers traditional telecommunications law issues and also includes advice to TC providers on joint ventures with companies from other sectors. Noteworty is the advice on autonomous driving, machine-to-machine communication and the Internet of Things as well as the expertise in infrastructure-related M&A transactions.
Testimonials
‘Very good specialist knowledge, but also very good personal cooperation with all partners and associates with whom we have had contact up to now.’
‘The focus is on the client and the solution to the problem.’
‘Cooperation across the individual departments and locations in order to provide optimal advice and still only have one (!) contact person.’
‘Dr. Christian Miercke: Very broad experience in the field of telecommunications. Well-founded specialist knowledge and excellent legal knowledge. Very fast response times and very well-founded legal assessments, even at short notice. We recommend Dr. Miercke regularly and always receive very positive feedback on the mandates taken on.’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom AG
Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH
Tata Communications
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
Infracapital Partners Fund
YPLAY Germany GmbH
EFN Eifel-Net Internet-Provider GmbH
Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V.
Stadtwerke Hürth AöR
Penta Infra
Work highlights
- Advice on foreign trade law to Deutsche Telekom AG in the course of the acquisition of 45 million T-Mobile US shares from the Japanese conglomerate Softbank.
- Advising a foreign robotics company on the product launch of robotic lawn mowers with the help of satellite navigation in Germany, including the examination of telecommunications legal requirements and representation before the Federal Network Agency in proceedings to clarify whether the business model is a regulated M2M/IoT business model, as well as negotiations with a mobile network operator.
- Advice on public procurement law to Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH on the planned broadband expansion.
Dolde Mayen & Partner
Dolde Mayen & Partner is renowned for its regulatory expertise and advises numerous clients from the telecoms sector, including Deutsche Telekom AG, which it also represents before the Federal Network Agency, administrative courts and civil courts. Regulatory and antitrust expert Thomas Mayen heads the team, which also includes Christian Stelter, who is well versed in IT and data protection, and Barbara Stamm, who is experienced in public commercial law. In September 2021, Frank Hölscher (regulatory, antitrust and telecommunications law) joined Noerr as of counsel.
Testimonials
‘Very competent in telecommunications and administrative law.’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom AG
Telekom Deutschland GmbH
GvW Graf von Westphalen
GvW Graf von Westphalen advises on traditional telecommunications law and represents clients in connection with regulatory issues at national and European level. Recent growth areas include the advice on space and satellite law, here, the team added an international corporation to its client roster in connection with a satellite communications project. Practice head Grace Nacimiento is particularly experienced in issues pertaining to the allocation and use of frequency and number resources for digital business models. In July 2021, the team’s interface competencies in data protection, digitisation and IT were strengthened with the additions of Axel von Walter and Gudrun Hausner, formerly at ADVANT Beiten.
Testimonials
‘Dr. Grace Nacimiento: Excellent expertise, very good cooperation.’
Key clients
1 & 1 Telecom GmbH
Jefferies International Limited
Transatel SAS
Greenberg Traurig Germany
Greenberg Traurig Germany is experienced in assisting with the development and implementation of business models pertaining to broadband and multimedia supply, with a recent focus on the expansion of fibre optic networks. Clients can draw on the expertise in telecommunications, media and antitrust law as well as the cooperation with other sector groups. Practice head Christoph Enaux‘ expertise in advising real estate clients on telecommunications and media supply is particularly noteworthy.
Testimonials
‘The telecommunications team at GT is very well positioned in all areas of telecommunications. The cooperation with other departments (e.g. antitrust or public procurement law) is excellent.’
‘Until now, each of our inquiries could be answered promptly and competently – even outside of the area “telecommunications”.
‘With Dr Christoph Enaux Greenberg Traurig has a know-how carrier in the field of telecommunications that is second to none. Whether it’s the Telecommunications Modernization Act (TKMoG) or helping to shape new business models for fiber optic expansion and operation – the legal support/contract drafting and information is always comprehensive and extremely helpful!’
Key clients
bauverein AG
Degewo Netzwerk
Deutsche Wohnen
Foxxum
GdW (Gesamtverband der Wohnungswirtschaft)
Gewobag
Immomedianet
LEG Immobilien
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners
Tata Communications
Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH
Vivawest
Vonovia
Work highlights
- Successful defense of Vivawest, Germany’s third-largest housing company, against a lawsuit brought by the central competition office regarding the conditions for the provision of a cable TV connection as part of the rental agreement.
- Advising GEWOBAG on a tendering process for the construction of a fibre-optic telecommunications network as well as the multimedia and broadband supply to more than 60,000 apartments.
- Representation of Immomedianet in a dispute resolution procedure about the joint use and the commercial contractual conditions of telecommunications networks before the Federal Network Agency and in subsequent lawsuits before the Hamburg Administrative Court.
Loschelder
Loschelder ‘s regulated markets team covers various sectors and advises on public and civil law issues pertaining to the media, energy, postal and rail transport sectors. Additionally, broadcasters, internet providers as well as fixed and mobile network providers are advised on network access and tariffs as well as antitrust law matters. The team also represents clients before the regulatory authorities and courts, with practice head Raimund Schütz being particularly well versed in litigation. In cooperation with other areas, the Loschelder Digitisation Taskforce was founded in 2019 and offers expertise in relevant matters such as the development of digital platforms.
Testimonials
‘The team has excellent technical expertise and also impresses with a very high degree of commitment and punctuality. Communication is always at eye level.’
‘Kristina Schreiber is very goal-oriented and client-oriented. She has excellent specialist knowledge, is always excellently prepared and very good at negotiating. She takes on the client’s perspective and always achieves very good solutions.’
Key clients
QVC Handel S.à.r.l. & Co. KG
1&1 Versatel Deutschland AG; BT (Germany) GmbH & Co. oHG; Colt Technology Services GmbH; ecotel communication ag; EWE TEL GmbH; HL komm Telekommunikations GmbH; Plusnet GmbH; Vodafone GmbH (VATM)
EWE TEL GmbH
Vodafone
ecotel communication ag
Orange Business Services GmbH
Innofactory GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising and representing 1&1 Versatel Deutschland AG; BT (Germany) GmbH & Co. oHG; Colt Technology Services GmbH; ecotel communication ag; EWE TEL GmbH; HL come telecommunications GmbH; Plusnet GmbH and Vodafone GmbH (VATM) in central regulatory proceedings before the Federal Network Agency regarding wholesale products from Telekom Deutschland GmbH (TDG) in the leased line market.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH demonstrates particular strength in advising on the infrastructure expansion of districts, cities and housing associations and is frequently instructed in connection with network expansions for local authorities and broadband projects as well as matters pertaining to 5G expansion. A recent highlight mandate was advising a joint venture on employment, data protection and media law in connection with a large-scale fibre optic expansion project. Wulff-Axel Schmidt heads the team, which, in addition to regulatory issues, also advises on over-the-top services, the drafting and negotiation of contracts as well as procurement law issues related to broadband expansion. The arrival of Tobias Osseforth (formerly at LUTZ | ABEL RECHTSANWALTS PARTG MBB ) in January 2022 strengthened the capacities at the procurement law interface.
Testimonials
‘Knows telecommunications law very well.’
‘Dr. Michael Rath is one of the TC experts on the German market.’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom AG
Telefonica S.A
NetCologne Gesellschaft für Telekommunikation mbH
Landkreis Nordsachen
Landkreis Mittelsachsen
Stadt Chemnitz
Unsere Grüne Glasfaser GmbH & Co. KG
VXFIBER GmbH
Greenfiber Netz & Management GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice on corporate law and contract law to Unsere Grüne Glasfaser GmbH & Co. KG (UGG), a joint venture between Telefónica and Allianz Capital Partners, on fiber optic expansion with a volume of several billion euros and thus one of the largest greenfield infrastructure projects in Germany.
- Comprehensive advice to Deutsche Telekom AG on telecommunications and IT law, including on major strategic and international projects such as smart home control and mobile device management projects at various corporations.
- Advising VXFIBER GmbH on setting up the broadband business, especially on drafting contracts.
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP combines expertise in IT, media, the telecoms industry and data protection and advises well-known international corporations and medium-sized companies on transactions and projects, compliance issues, Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things. This advisory offer is complemented by cross-border capabilities thanks to its global network. Since the departure of Ralf Weisser in early 2023 Wolfgang von Frentz solely heads the practice, which also includes litigator Christian Masch.
Key clients
Arolsen Archives
Borgers SE & Co. KGaA
Cataneo GmbH
Constantin Medien AG
Corint Media
Deutsche Telekom AG
Diebold Nixdorf Technology GmbH
Hospitality Digital (HD)
Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG
IP Deutschland / RTL interactive
Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH
ProSiebenSat1 Media SE
RTL Television
Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
Telekonnekt GmbH
Raue
Raue frequently acts in close cooperation with foreign firms and assists with new business models, broadband expansion in the EU and fee regulation matters. Practice head Kornelius Kleinlein is a key contact for the latter. The team also represents telecommunications companies before the Federal Network Agency and in regulatory audits, civil court proceedings in connection with fee issues as well as antitrust infringement proceedings. Other core areas include satellite communications and broadcasting.
Key clients
HD Plus GmbH
DIVICON MEDIA HOLDING GmbH
Schalast Law | Tax
Schalast Law | Tax is well versed in the telecoms and cable sector and advises on regulatory, data protection and antitrust law, including clients’ representation before the Federal Network Agency in fee licensing, abuse, network access and interconnection proceedings. The advice on outsourcing, joint venture-related contracts and compliance audits complements this offer. Thanks to the Multilaw network, cross-border matters are also covered by the team, which is led by Ernst Georg Berger.
Key clients
BT (Germany) GmbH & Co. OHG
Glasfaser Direkt GmbH
HFO Holding AG
Telego GmbH
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to Glasfaser Direkt on regulatory, civil and M&A matters.
- Ongoing advice to the German subsidiary of British Telecommunications, BT (Germany) GmbH & Co. OHG, on regulatory issues.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP advises on traditional contractual and regulatory issues pertaining to telecommunications law, while the team is also increasingly active in advising platforms, messenger service providers and social network clients. The client base includes a well-known automotive manufacturer, which the practice assists in the connected cars arena, and investors, which are advised on fibre optic investments, data centers and cloud structures. Growth areas include transactions in connection with infrastructure, radio connections, television towers and mobile sites. The team is headed by Norbert Wimmer.
Other key lawyers:
Martin Munz; Sylvia Lorenz
Key clients
MEAG und Gruppe institutioneller Investoren – FTTH Projekte Axione Infrastructures
Meta
Colt Technology Services
Lime Technologies AB
Basalt