Practice Areas

Mobile Communications

Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC. attorneys were present at the creation of the cellular radio industry, a turning point in the development of mobile communications in the U.S. Our attorneys helped to shape the rules that defined this new service, then went on to represent many companies, both wireline and non-wireline, in applying for and obtaining licenses. The extraordinary success of cellular led to the development of the Personal Communications Service (PCS) as an alternative cellular-based mobile communications system. As the licensing process has evolved from comparative hearings to lotteries to auctions, our lawyers have assisted industry participants in understanding and using the new rules to their advantage.

Once a license is obtained, our lawyers assist licensees with on-going regulatory compliance, roaming requirements, regulatory fees, renewals, acquisitions and sales, and the often complicated relationship with local exchange carriers. The regulatory status of commercial mobile radio service has been remarkably dynamic since its inception, leading to frequent changes in regulatory treatment with a consequent need for rapid business responses.

We have also represented the more traditional radio common carriers, including paging and SMR carriers, and private radio licensees and applicants in designing and obtaining approval for radio systems. The firm also represents state and local government agencies in a wide variety of matters related to public safety radio communications.