We focus on the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service programs and other telecom regulatory issues, including CPNI, contributions, 911 and numbering. All of our attorneys have worked at the Commission, so we know how the Commission works and who the decision-makers are.
Our knowledge is based upon a depth of experience.
E-rateWhether USAC has found a problem with your application or you are trying to be proactive in avoiding an issue, let us walk you through your options. |
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Rural Health CareThe rural health care rules are transitioning based on the Commission’s August 2019 order. Do not be caught unaware of how those changes will affect you. |
Appeals/WaiverApplicants and service providers can find themselves on the wrong side of a USAC decision. Make sure you know your options when deciding how and where to submit an appeal. We will make sure you do not leave an arguments on the table. |
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AuditsOur experienced attorneys ensure you do not go through this process alone. Providing accurate and timely responses can help your audit process go as smoothly as possible. Better yet, let us review your policies, procedures and documentation in advance of the audit announcement letter so you can have peace of mind. |
Fiber/Special ConstructionApplications with special construction require extra care and sometimes extra time. We can help you prepare for program integrity review and address E-rate network deployment issues in advance. |
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ComplianceWe can help you develop a compliance plan and ensure you are submitting required documentation in a timely fashion. In addition to E-rate and RHC compliance, we also assist our service provider clients with federal and state telecom regulatory issues, including E911, CPNI, and contributions. |
The top priority of Broadband Legal is securing the funding individuals need and deserve. And if clients have had issues in the past, Broadband Legal will help them get on the right track.
Appeals/Waiver Requests
If clients have been denied funding or USAC is seeking recovery of funding already disbursed, Broadband Legal will analyze the issues, determine the best approach and strategy, and draft the pleadings necessary to make the best case.
Audits/Payment Quality Assurance Assessments
Notices of an audit or PQA assessment can be scary. But don’t worry: Broadband Legal will be with clients every step of an audit, from the announcement letter through the final report.
Additional services include conducting pre-audits and identifying any areas of non-compliance or missing documentation. Clients will know where they stand if selected for an audit and clients can take the lessons learned from the pre-audit to improve compliance in the future.
Fiber Solutions
For clients interested in exploring self-provisioning as allowed by the Commission’s new rules, Broadband Legal can walk them through the myriad requirements.
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
Do it Right – the First Time
The number one problem area for applicants is competitive bidding. Let Broadband Legal check procedures to ensure they are following the FCC’s rules – and those of the client’s own state and locality.
Broadband Legal can help clients write the RFP and help them through the selection process.
About the Firm
Broadband Legal Strategies is a boutique telecommunications law firm specializing in universal service programs, including E-rate and Rural Health Care/Healthcare Connect.
Our Advantage
Gina Spade, the founder of Broadband Legal Strategies, led the E-rate policy team at the Federal Communications Commission for six years and led the Rural Health Care policy team for four years.
Gina has had a hand in every major E-rate decision by the Commission since 2006, including the 2014 reform orders and the 2010 Sixth Report and Order. She has also managed oversight of E-rate and Rural Health Care audits and assessments and advised the FCC’s chief financial officer on E-rate financial issues.
Our Mission
Broadband Legal Strategies wants to bring its FCC experience and knowledge of both program rules and processes to help clients comply with the E-rate and Rural Health Care program requirements. Congress established these important universal service programs nearly 20 years so that schools, districts, libraries, health care facilities, or states can reach their telecommunications and technology goals.
Broadband Legal believes every eligible entity deserves the funding they are entitled to under the law. Broadband Legal can also assist service providers with questions about the rules and the process.