Last Friday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) took a major step in furtherance of the Biden Administration’s goal of connecting all Americans to broadband by releasing its widely anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) for the landmark $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program, along with NOFOs for two smaller programs.
Matthew DelNero
Matt DelNero provides expert regulatory counsel to companies of all sizes in the telecommunications, technology and media sectors. As a former senior official with the FCC and longtime private practitioner, Matt helps clients achieve their goals and navigate complex regulatory and public policy challenges.
Matt serves as co-chair of Covington’s Technology & Communications Regulation (“TechComm”) Practice Group and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion initiative.
Matt advises clients on the full range of issues impacting telecommunications, technology and media providers today, including:
- Structuring and securing FCC and other regulatory approvals for media and telecommunications transactions.
- Conducting regulatory due diligence for transactions in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors.
- Obtaining approval for foreign investment in broadcasters and telecommunications providers.
- Universal Service Fund (USF) programs, including the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF).
- FCC enforcement actions and inquiries.
- Online video accessibility, including under the Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Equipment authorizations for IoT and other devices.
- Spectrum policy and auctions, including for 5G.
- Privacy and data protection, with a focus on telecommunications and broadband providers.
Matt also maintains an active pro bono practice representing LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, as well as veterans petitioning for discharge upgrades—including discharges under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and predecessor policies that targeted LGBTQ+ servicemembers.
Prior to rejoining Covington in January 2017, Matt served as Chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau. He played a leading role in development of policies around net neutrality, broadband privacy, and broadband deployment and affordability under the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).
Chambers USA has recognized Matt as a “go-to attorney for complex matters before the FCC and other federal agencies, drawing on impressive former government experience.”