Practice Areas

Satellite Services

Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC. has extensive experience with, and knowledge of, the business and regulatory considerations involved in establishing and operating satellite communications companies. The firm has represented companies in all four of the commercially active satellite radio services: Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), and Radio Determination Satellite Service (RDSS).

Clients also include companies that buy or lease transponder capacity on FSS satellites to gather news and to deliver business videos, advertising, data, music, occasional-use video programs, and Internet access.

The firm negotiates leases and purchases of transponder capacity and arranges for the necessary authorizations to operate space stations and earth stations, both domestically and internationally. The firm regularly participates in FCC rulemaking proceedings, State Department Working Groups and World Radio Conferences (WRCs) to advocate its clients' technology issues affecting the satellite industry and aids U.S. satellite companies in entering international markets.