Tony Verghese

Partner
[email protected]
+91 80 4350 3624
Bengaluru

ABOUT
EXPERIENCE

ABOUT

Tony’s practice is primarily focused on the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector. He advises clients across the full spectrum of regulatory, licensing, and compliance matters within India’s rapidly evolving digital communications, media, and technology landscape. This includes navigating complex frameworks under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the erstwhile Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other related rules, regulations, and guidelines.

His work spans assisting clients with obtaining and maintaining licenses, ensuring regulatory compliance, advising on spectrum allocation, network rollouts, content and data regulations, and emerging areas such as OTT platforms, digital broadcasting. telecom infrastructure, and technology-driven services. Tony also provides strategic guidance on structuring transactions, investments, and joint ventures in line with regulatory requirements, helping clients manage risk while leveraging opportunities in the TMT sector.

Memberships

B.A., LLB., Bangalore

Education

B.Com., Bangalore University (1997)
LL. B., Bangalore University (2000)

Languages

English
Hindi
Malayalam
Tamil
Kannada

EXPERIENCE

With extensive experience in the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector, Tony advises telecom operators, media platforms, and technology companies on regulatory, licensing, and compliance matters under India’s evolving legal framework, including the Telecommunications Act, 2023, erstwhile Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Information Technology Act, 2000, and related media and broadcasting regulations.

He guides clients on spectrum and infrastructure sharing, interconnection, content distribution, OTT compliance, digital broadcasting, loT and M2M deployments, cloud and satellite communications, and cross-border network arrangements. In the technology space, he advises on software development, technology transfer, data governance, cybersecurity, and the establishment of STPI and SEZ units.

Tony also brings deep experience in corporate and commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, employment, and multi-party commercial negotiations, and routinely assists foreign entities in establishing compliant operations in India.

Some of the key assignments in these areas handled and being handled by Tony, amongst others, cover the following: –

Advising a leading global telecom company on establishing operations in India, including company incorporation, obtaining regulatory approvals from multiple authorities, and providing ongoing legal and compliance guidance.
Assisting in a major M&A transaction, one of the largest overseas acquisitions by an Indian software firm, representing the seller in the share purchase and actively managing the due diligence process.
Supporting a leading global supplier of networking equipment and network management services in providing regulated services in India, involving substantial interpretation of applicable regulations and continuous liaison with regulatory authorities.
Advising a major telecom company in India on launching commercial operations across Karnataka, Kerala, and Kolkata, including drafting commercial contracts, obtaining regulatory approvals, and ensuring compliance with local and national requirements.
Assisting leading foreign service providers in navigating complex technical and operational frameworks to ensure full compliance with Indian laws and regulations, including those issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).