Telecommunications & Broadcasting
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 613 236 3882About
Provided by Fasken
Fasken has an international reputation for informed, proactive advice to the communications sector. In fact, clients, directories and peers have considered us leaders in the industry for decades. We work closely with telecommunications, broadcasting and media organizations who want to pursue complex innovations while still operating efficiently. We work with clients to implement strategies regarding terrestrial and satellite services and related spectrum management matters. Our experienced team includes a former Federal Communications Minister and Minister of International Trade as well as lawyers who have worked in large communications organizations.
The industry evolves to meet the demands of consumers. Regulation, licensing and government policies, as well as spectrum auctions and acquisitions and advancements to wireless technologies, are a requirement to stay competitive.
We help navigate complex regulatory requirements and foreign ownership restrictions. We can establish new businesses and initiatives, structure specialized commercial agreements and organize infrastructure projects at the national and international level.
We represent clients in proceedings before specialized tribunals, such as the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Copyright Board, as well as in court and at arbitration. We also coordinate with regulators regarding radio frequency standards, broadcast licences, frequency coordination and terminal certification.
Chambers Review
Fasken is renowned for its leading expertise across a wide spectrum of telecommunications and broadcasting matters, primarily from its Toronto and Ottawa offices. The firm advises a prestigious portfolio of media clients on communications regulatory issues and attracts praise for its strong track record before the CRTC and the ISED. Its technology, media and telecommunications team offers notable experience of digital media and internet access issues, distribution and licensing, as well as corporate transactions. It also advises on matters relating to spectrum and wireless services and communications infrastructure. It is increasingly active on cross-border issues, advising clients on international markets. The lawyers offer litigation support including experience before the Supreme Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal, Federal Court and Copyright Board of Canada.
Work Highlights
- Fasken advised Rogers Communications on the impact that the Online News Act will have on its television and radio businesses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Fasken have in-depth knowledge of the regulatory framework for broadcasting and always provide sound direction and advice. They always respond to my requests for consultation quickly."
"Fasken has deep experience in telecom and broadcasting, gained over many decades representing major Canadian and American firms wishing to operate in Canada in this field."
"Highly responsive, and able and willing to provide prompt feedback and then follow up with more in-depth analysis as needed. I always feel like they've got my back, even with short notice."
"Virtually all of the advice I seek from Fasken is with respect to complex and sophisticated matters, and their response is always clear, comprehensive and prompt."
"Our issues are all complex and often novel, and Fasken handles them routinely. The telecom team is very strong and I am always able to get a realistic perspective from Fasken."
"Fasken have in-depth knowledge of the regulatory framework for broadcasting and always provide sound direction and advice. They always respond to my requests for consultation quickly."
"Fasken has deep experience in telecom and broadcasting, gained over many decades representing major Canadian and American firms wishing to operate in Canada in this field."
"Highly responsive, and able and willing to provide prompt feedback and then follow up with more in-depth analysis as needed. I always feel like they've got my back, even with short notice."
"Virtually all of the advice I seek from Fasken is with respect to complex and sophisticated matters, and their response is always clear, comprehensive and prompt."
"Our issues are all complex and often novel, and Fasken handles them routinely. The telecom team is very strong and I am always able to get a realistic perspective from Fasken."
Notable Practitioners
Leslie Milton is an Ottawa-based communications lawyer at Fasken, where she co-leads the technology, media and telecommunications group. She is adept at representing clients before the CRTC in all manner of licensing and network access issues. Her experience also encompasses a range of regulatory matters.
"Leslie is a terrific telecom lawyer. We have been well served to have her work with us."
"We value Leslie's expertise, clarity, awareness of commercial issues and promptness."
"Leslie is a highly professional lawyer who is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of telecommunications and competition law. She is personable and has the innate ability to simplify complex matters."
"Leslie is great. She is very responsive and provides advice that is actually helpful."
"Leslie is a great relationship partner."
Jay Kerr-Wilson is widely recognised for his expertise in copyright matters affecting internet service providers and broadcasters. He is based in Ottawa, where he is co-lead of Fasken's technology, media and telecommunications industry group.
"Jay is good and practical. He can get to the heart of any issue I ask him. He's very good at giving a clear, concise answer."
"Jay is a terrific copyright lawyer."
"Jay is an excellent copyright board lawyer and practised at managing clients from different companies who come together jointly on copyright matters. He is extremely personable and timely."
Scott Prescott is recognised for his experience advising clients on CRTC matters, often involving broadcasting, licensing and regulatory compliance. He is based in Ottawa.
"Scott is a terrific broadcasting lawyer."
"Scott is a highly professional lawyer who provides consistent excellent advice. He is a terrific drafter of documents who works in lockstep with his client to identify their needs and address them."
Barbara Miller is a well-regarded lawyer based in the Toronto office of Fasken. She represents clients in the telecoms, media and broadcasting sectors in a broad range of regulatory, corporate and commercial matters.
"Barbara is a friendly and intelligent counsel."
"Barbara Miller is a pleasure to work with. I have a very high level of trust in her opinions and guidance."
Paul Burbank is increasingly recognised for his work in telecoms, advising on regulatory matters, licensing and certification. He also provides strategic advice for broadcasters and radio equipment vendors. Burbank is based in Fasken's Toronto office.
"Paul is a very good young broadcasting lawyer."
"We value Paul's expertise, clarity, awareness of commercial issues and promptness."
"Paul has sound legal instincts and brings a strong policy as well as legal perspective to the files he works on with us. We truly enjoy Paul's calm approach and competence in the matters."
"Paul is fabulous. Even though only at associate level, Paul has the sophistication to provide tailored legal advice, based on the business needs."
"Paul is an excellent associate and my go-to person at Fasken."
Ranked Lawyers at
Fasken
Nationwide - Canada