Telecoms regulation | bratby law

Specialist UK Telecoms AI and Data Regulation Lawyers

Clear, senior-level regulatory and commercial advice for telecoms, technology and data-driven businesses

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Bratby Law is led by specialist UK telecoms lawyer Rob Bratby and provides clear, senior regulatory and commercial advice on telecoms regulation, AI and data and technology and telecoms transactions. We combine deep regulatory expertise with practical commercial judgment. We act as direct legal advisers, specialist co-counsel or fractional general counsel for organisations seeking senior, technically informed support.

A unique end-to-end perspective


Our approach is shaped by a rare combination of regulatory, operator and private-practice experience:

The Regulator’s Perspective

Work at Oftel, the predecessor to Ofcom, provides first-hand experience of how UK communications regulation is developed, interpreted and enforced. This includes leadership of the project to liberalise the UK’s international telecoms infrastructure market (subsea cables and satellite), and a detailed understanding of regulatory intent and enforcement dynamics.

The Operator’s Perspective

Senior in-house roles at COLT and embedded general-counsel roles within operator-side businesses provide practical insight into how networks are built, where risks arise, how compliance is operationalised and how commercial and regulatory decisions are made inside carriers and infrastructure operators.

The Adviser’s Perspective

As a former partner and practice leader at international law firms in London and Singapore, Rob Bratby has advised operators, platforms, investors and global technology companies on major regulatory matters, market-shaping projects, cross-border transactions and multi-jurisdictional compliance programmes.

This combination enables advice that is legally rigorous, commercially aligned and technically grounded.

Core credentials

Our depth of experience is underpinned by:

Direct experience inside the UK communications regulator’s predecessor gives unique insight into the development and enforcement of regulatory frameworks.

Board-level and general-counsel roles provide understanding of operational risk, product development, network deployment, stakeholder management and regulatory implementation.

Leadership roles at international firms advising on major transactions, regulatory matters and infrastructure projects in Europe and Asia.

AI models run on data, and data runs on infrastructure.
Our deep knowledge of the physical, commercial and regulatory layers of telecoms networks provides a distinctive foundation for advising on AI regulation, governance, data protection, sovereignty and infrastructure risk. This perspective complements and often exceeds the approach taken by generalist “technology lawyers”.

Repeatedly recognised as a global expert and thought leader in data and privacy, supporting strong credibility in AI regulation and governance.

Scientific degree before law, with subsequent post-graduate intellectual property law qualifications. MBA and INSEAD international directors’ programme give unique skill-set.

Our specialist UK legal practice areas

We advise organisations at the intersection of telecoms, AI and data and contracts. Our work helps businesses anticipate legal risk, meet evolving regulatory obligations and structure transactions that deliver strategic value.

Telecoms Regulation

We help communications providers understand and comply with UK telecoms regulation. Our advice covers market entry, licensing, General Conditions, numbering, switching, security and resilience under the Telecommunications Security Act, spectrum matters, access and interconnection, and engagement with Ofcom across investigations, enforcement and disputes.

AI Regulation and Data Governance

We advise on AI regulation, data protection and data governance. Our work includes compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, AI oversight and risk management, accountability frameworks, data contracts, cross-border transfers and sector-specific guidance. We support organisations deploying AI systems and handling data in complex operational and regulatory environments.

Technology and Telecoms Transactions

We draft and negotiate technology, telecoms and data-related contracts for operators, vendors and investors. Our experience spans network-sharing, MVNO and wholesale arrangements, infrastructure and subsea cable projects, platform and cloud contracting, SaaS and licensing, and complex commercial and corporate transactions.

How we work

Clients work with Bratby Law in three ways: direct matter-specific advice, specialist co-counsel support, and longer-term fractional general counsel engagements. Each model is structured to deliver senior, technically informed guidance aligned to commercial, operational and regulatory priorities.

Direct Legal Advice

Specialist advice on complex regulatory, commercial and compliance matters.

Specialist Co-counsel

Support for law firms and consultants requiring deep sector knowledge.

Fractional General Counsel

Part-time senior legal support for ongoing, strategic and operational needs.

Independent directory rankings

Our specialist expertise is recognised in major independent legal directories:

  • Chambers & Partners: Rob Bratby is ranked in the UK Guide 2026 in the “Telecommunications” category: Chambers
  • The Legal 500: Rob Bratby is listed as a “Leading Partner – Telecoms” in London (TMT – IT & Telecoms): The Legal 500
  • Lexology: Rob Bratby is featured on Lexology’s expert profiles (Global Elite Thought Leader): Lexology
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What clients say

  • “…one of those rare lawyers who really does understand the business imperatives behind the legal situations businesses find themselves in.”

    “I worked with Rob over many years whilst I was at Orange. He is one of those rare lawyers who really does understand the business imperatives behind the legal situations businesses find themselves in. Most notably he provided first class support to me and my team on a high profile / high value joint venture network sharing deal. His ability to see both the detail and the bigger strategic picture were enormously helpful.”
    Amanda Doyle
    (Former) General Counsel, Orange UK

  • “I would highly recommend Rob and his team.”

    “I have had the pleasure of working with Rob now on a number of occasions and engagements with clients. Rob is one of the most knowledgeable people I have come across in the Telecommunications industry, both in his comprehensive understanding of the law for various countries and in the application of this law and what it means for Operators. This is complemented by his generosity with sharing his knowledge, and the friendly style with which he works. I would highly recommend Rob and his team.”
    Nick White
    (Former) Deloitte

  • “I would recommend Rob for any major Telecoms project”

    “I worked with Rob to introduce One Touch Switching for broadband and fixed voice, which launched successfully with almost two million customers using the service to date. Rob is a first class Legal Counsel with exceptional legal and regulatory knowledge enabling him to give insightful strategic guidance to the ExCo and the Board. He is highly trusted by Directors and easy to work with. I would recommend Rob for any major Telecoms project.”
    Toby Lovell
    (Former) Chief of Staff, The One Touch Switching Company

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Practice areas | bratby law | specialist uk telecoms, ai and data regulation lawyers

Specialist UK Telecoms AI and Data Regulation Lawyers

Clear, senior-level regulatory and commercial advice for telecoms, technology and data-driven businesses

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