Schalast | Telecommunications & IT

The telecommunications sector did not just start undergoing radical change with the introduction of video and music streaming platforms. More and more users are resorting more frequently and more intensively to telecommunications services and confronting network operators and providers with enormous challenges. Where in the not too distant past the broadband cable network was only used to transmit radio and television signals, today it can also offer high-speed internet via a high-performance (fibre optic) network. Tough competition not only comes from direct competitors, but also from housing associations with their own broadband cable networks. Regulatory requirements are also increasing constantly. It is therefore no surprise that the uncertainty of market participants and the need for sound legal advice are likewise increasing. As the intensity of competition continues to grow within this sector, so too does the significance and antitrust and competition law.

The situation is not much different in the IT sector. The ever increasing availability of electronic end-user devices and smartphones has made information technology an integral part of our daily lives. Small applications make users’ lives easier and record more and more detailed user data. All this has to be put on a sound legal basis so that both users and companies can be offered the best possible products.

Our law firm in general and the members of the practice group IP, Media and Technology in particular have many years of experience in the telecommunications and IT sectors. As a result, we can offer our clients successful, award-winning advice on telecommunications and IT issues. This is particularly apparent when it comes to structuring and negotiating licence agreement or having your interests represented before courts and authorities, as well as the Federal Network Agency and the Federal Cartel Office. We are naturally also always available to advise our clients generally outside legal issues.

Our clients include:

• Telecommunications companies
• Cable network operators
• Antenna associations
• Television stations
• Service and content providers
• Trade associations
• Property management companies
• Real estate companies/housing associations
• Public utility companies
• App developers