Doug Orvis represents clients on telecommunications regulatory compliance, with particular emphasis on issues relating to the federal Universal Service Fund (USF). Doug assists numerous telecommunications carriers in all aspects of USF compliance. He routinely aids carriers in complying with ongoing reporting and contribution obligations and provides guidance on procedures to minimize USF liability. In this capacity he has a wide range of experience, from counseling startup companies in meeting their initial USF obligations to guiding well-established carriers in updating their USF procedures and receiving refunds from the USF administrator. In addition, Doug has successfully appealed contrary rulings from the USF administrator at the FCC. He has also defended carriers in audits by the USF administrator, including the defense of carriers with hundreds of millions of dollars of potential USF contribution liability.

Doug also practices before the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. He has defended numerous carriers in investigations, including negotiation settlements and consent decrees, and successfully avoided the imposition of significant forfeiture penalties, particularly those who have been accused of USF or Truth-in-Billing violations. In addition to his USF practice, Doug practices before the California Public Utilities Commission, assisting companies with a variety of California-related telecommunications regulatory matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Doug was associated with a San Francisco-based regulatory practice with an active practice before the California PUC.