A past Commissioner and General Counsel of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) who also has extensive experience in private practice at an AmLaw 100 firm, Why is uniquely qualified to help Verrill clients navigate all policy and regulatory concerns they may have in the area of telecommunications.
Why's depth of knowledge in matters of both state and federal regulation and the perspective he has gained from working as both a government official and an advocate in the field bring value to organizations all across the cable, broadband, wireline, and wireless industries. He counsels clients on how to create consistent federal and state telecommunications policy that complies with all relevant regulations. His representative matters include advising a wireless provider on its merger, representing a trade association before state regulatory commissions regarding pole attachments, 911 fees, and state USF reform, and representing clients before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on issues from Lifeline and Connect America Fund II.
In his role as Commissioner, Why directed all administrative, legal, and policy priorities for the DTC, including spearheading state interests at the FCC regarding the wireless spectrum auction, public safety, broadband deployment, IP transition, and Universal Service Fund reform. He also was involved in adjudicating cable rate cases, handling interconnection disputes, and enabling wireless companies to do business in the Commonwealth as "eligible telecommunications carriers." In addition, Why initiated investigations regarding telephone service quality and the federally funded Lifeline program. Drawing on this extensive industry experience, Why now represents clients before state public utilities commissions throughout the country and the FCC.
For telecommunications clients facing investigations or enforcement actions, Why leverages his prior litigation experience as Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division, where he investigated and litigated matters related to consumer protection and antitrust law, focusing on enforcement actions with telecommunications and cable companies. Why also served as Assistant District Attorney at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Appellate Division.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Why was a professional photographer, and he continues to enjoy photography as a hobby. In the winter he likes to downhill ski, and in the summer he avidly follows the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox.
