Whether you are facilities based, a reseller or a wireless provider, Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin can assist you with the myriad of federal, state and local regulations affecting your business.  We assist all types of carriers in obtaining regulatory authority to operate, tariff approval, compliance hearings, arbitrations, local taxation and other regulatory filings and matters.  In addition, because of our knowledge of the industry, we have represented numerous companies in contract negotiations and business litigation.

Facilities Based Providers

Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin assists facilities based providers in all of their operations, from obtaining regulatory authority to operate, approval of tariffs and other regulatory filings, to obtaining local franchises and reviewing and negotiating construction contracts.  In addition to our extensive experience before the Federal Communications Commission and state public service commissions, our attorneys have negotiated and drafted dozens of franchises for access to local rights-of-way in numerous communities in several states.  We have also drafted and negotiated easements for crossing public and private property, interconnection agreements with ILECs, and agreements to purchase other CLECs.  In addition, we regularly assist in the negotiation and administration of construction contracts and provide assistance in the permitting process. 

Resellers

In addition to assisting both local and long distance resellers with regulatory filings, our experience representing telecommunications companies allows Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin to provide resellers with counsel and advice on business and regulatory compliance matters.  We have assisted resellers in creating forms and programs to comply with anti-slamming rules and have represented them in hearings before state commissions and other regulatory tribunals.  Additionally, we have assisted resellers with provisioning issues and their relationships with ILECs and their underlying carriers.

Wireless Carriers and Antenna Site Operators

Since the inception of cellular service, the firm has worked with wireless carriers as well as site acquisition, construction and management companies on administrative, transactional and litigation matters.  Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin is able to assist in all phases of wireless operations, from becoming qualified to operate in a state through site acquisition and construction to operations and management.

Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin attorneys have been involved in dozens of transactions related to the purchase and lease of antenna sites for both free standing towers and the placement of equipment on rooftops and water towers.  Our attorneys have negotiated leases involving private properties and publicly owned sites.  Further, we and have obtained access easements for utilities.  We have assisted in resolving environmental concerns, including Section 106 approvals, and obtaining FAA approvals for towers.

Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin attorneys have extensive experienced in handling zoning issues before local governmental entities.  We have drafted zoning ordinances to allow towers to be constructed and have for participated in the zoning approval process for the placement of cellular/PCS antenna on public and private property by AT&T, Ameritech, SBC, Sprint, Nextel, MetroCom, Motorola, NextG, PrimeCo, Radiofone and VoiceStream.

We have represented wireless carriers before the FCC and various state Public Service Commissions.  Our attorneys have also defended wireless carriers from class action and single plaintiff claims related to contract disputes and billing practices in both state and Federal courts.

The attorneys at Hardy, Carey, Chautin & Balkin understand the telecommunications industry.  Whether you need regulatory assistance, counsel on a transaction or help with the resolution of a problem, our experience allows us to offer counsel and solutions for your company with a full understanding of how the industry operates.