Deeply experienced in telecommunications law, Clifford Williams provides regulatory, commercial, and litigation counsel to broadband, wireless, wireline and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, with a focus on switched access disputes. He regularly advocates policy positions and litigates disputes at all levels, including the Federal Communications Commission, state regulatory commissions, and federal trial and appellate courts.

Cliff works closely with our clients to understand their needs and identify and implement solutions to quickly achieve results that benefit their bottom line. He is highly knowledgeable about next-generation communications services, counseling and representing our clients on compliance, privacy, intellectual property and risk management issues related to Machine-to-Machine (M2M), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Representations include

• Led AT&T’s advocacy efforts on broadband deregulation at the Federal Communications Commission.
• Led successful 18-month litigation effort before the New York Public Service Commission, challenging pricing structure of ILEC tariff for DC power for competitors’ collocated equipment.
• Advised internal IXC business unit on M2M contract issues and negotiated pilot agreements for drone test flights involving wireless carriers, original equipment manufacturers, social media companies and NASA.
• Led four-lawyer team prosecuting commercial arbitration claim that ILEC owed $18 million in bill credits for local usage bills under interconnection agreement.
• Negotiated renewal of $6 million right-of-way conduit lease agreement with largest utility in New York State, achieving $1.4 million annual rate reduction.
• Advised and advocated for internal IXC business unit in recovery of overcharges of access billing of IXC by LECs for both wireline and wireless interexchange traffic, resulting in recovery of over $5 million to IXC.