Robert J. Munnelly, Jr., a shareholder at the Boston law firm Davis Malm, moderated a panel at the annual Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) New England Chapter Current Issues Conference. This year’s theme, “Whither the Traditional Telephone Network?”, addressed the current status of, and future prospects for, the traditional incumbent local exchange carrier landline telephone network. The conference was held at the Boston University College of Communication.

As chapter co-chair, Mr. Munnelly moderated a panel of industry experts in a discussion on the continuing role of the incumbent network amidst unprecedented, countrywide technological, regulatory and business change. Panelists included top executives from Consolidated Communications, Granite Telecommunications, Otelco, Verizon and the Vermont Public Service Department.

Mr. Munnelly is a regulatory lawyer at Davis Malm with extensive experience dealing with legal issues faced by clients in highly regulated industries. He represents competitive energy and communications companies nationally and routinely represents clients in a wide range of regulatory issues. Mr. Munnelly has covered every aspect of New England regulations for electricity, communications, natural gas and water clients, from obtaining utility commission and local licenses to ensuring ongoing compliance with state, local and federal laws. Additionally, he has previously served as the Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for the New England Cable and Telecommunications Association.

Established in 1936, the FCBA is a volunteer organization of attorneys and other professionals, including engineers, consultants, economists, government officials and law students involved in the study, development, interpretation and practice of communications and information technology law and policy. With more than 2,000 members, the FCBA is a leading organization for communications lawyers and other industry professionals.

About Davis Malm

Founded in 1979, Davis Malm is a premier full-service, Boston-based business law firm that represents local, national and global businesses, institutions and individuals in a wide spectrum of industries. Clients rely on Davis Malm’s attorneys to efficiently deliver successful results through direct partner involvement, responsive client service, and creative and strategic problem solving. Their attorneys practice at the top level of the profession and possess the agility necessary to handle any issues that arise during the course of a matter. Davis Malm is a member of the International Lawyers Network, representing Massachusetts and northern New England. This membership enables the firm to offer high-quality, efficient services to clients doing business globally.