Telecommunications
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
The Baker McKenzie Telecoms team provides solutions to cutting-edge telecoms issues for clients who are at the forefront of their industry. We offer an unrivalled level of expertise and continue to be well renowned for advising on a wide range of activities such as regulatory advice, including advice on VOIP / SIP trunking; commercial telecoms work, including in relation to network sharing arrangements, network transformation (including to enable the launch of 5G) and the implementation of the telco cloud; connected devices / internet of things; mobile device arrangements (including buyback / financing and associated financial services regulatory issues across multiple jurisdictions); mobile data analytics; telecoms JVs (e.g. to establish “towercos” or “fibercos”); network outsourcing for providers and customers; consumer telecoms (including relating to mobile appstores); major telecoms procurement projects; and data protection/security.
The telecoms team represent a wide variety of practice areas which allows us to offer our clients a complete service.
Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie handles significant commercial agreements on behalf of traditional telecoms companies and major international regulatory mandates for OTT and digital service providers. The London office coordinates global teams to advise on changes in the data protection regulatory environment and on the differing treatment of telecoms services between local regulators in European and global jurisdictions. The team advises on a diverse spread of commercial mandates, including the negotiation of network sharing agreements or licensing for specific telecommunication services.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie continues to advise Colt on its entry into an exclusive arrangement for the proposed acquisition of the EMEA business of Lumen Technologies for USD1.8 billion, including terrestrial and subsea networks.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The quality of the services provided by Baker McKenzie was outstanding, and the level of responsiveness was excellent, in particular considering the volume of work and its highly technical nature."
"Baker McKenzie is a trusted adviser for legal questions on complex commercial contracts. The team are able to analyse complex legal documents and provide pragmatic and user-friendly advice."
"The quality of the services provided by Baker McKenzie was outstanding, and the level of responsiveness was excellent, in particular considering the volume of work and its highly technical nature."
"Baker McKenzie is a trusted adviser for legal questions on complex commercial contracts. The team are able to analyse complex legal documents and provide pragmatic and user-friendly advice."
Notable Practitioners
Steve Holmes frequently represents significant telecoms clients in commercial matters, including advising on regulatory implications of transactions. His enviable client base consists primarily of international communications and technology companies.
"Steve Holmes is a longstanding trusted adviser of our business and is always a pleasure to work with."
"Steve Holmes's wealth of experience combined with his finesse make him someone you want on your side in a difficult negotiation."
Robbie Downing is highlighted for his international regulatory expertise in the telecommunications sector. He assists clients with risk assessments and privacy reviews, as well as issues that sit at the intersection of telecoms and IT services.
"Robbie Downing has extremely broad and deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape around the world for telecommunications, which makes him unique and a very valuable resource for our business."