The national technology, media and telecoms team at law firm Shoosmiths has advised new client Goshawk Communications on a series of deals through which its ground breaking technology will be rolled out to the mobile operator market.
The product, MT clearSound, has been launched in the Isle of Man through Manx Telecom plc, and will be rolled out in the UK in 2019 through an agreement with EE under which a new MVNO has been set-up. Goshawk's technology can make a vast improvement to the quality of calls not only for the hard of hearing, but also for every mobile user who is seeking greater call clarity.
The technology helps people suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss to communicate and to maintain the art of conversation, enabling and empowering them to use their mobile phone with more confidence
The revolutionary new product - developed by Goshawk CEO and founder Matthew Turner who has been deaf since birth - is a registered medical device. It is located within the network itself and users do not need to purchase or install any specialist equipment - all they have to do is fill in a quick online registration and hearing assessment on the network and they are then given a tailored hearing profile, which can affect how incoming and outgoing calls should be delivered.
Matthew created the product based on the algorithms of leading auditory perception expert Professor Brian Moore, from Cambridge University. Once the product is tailored to the individual, they can change their profiles at any time, so they can take into account any new hearing aids or even the change of their mobile handset.
Partner Richard Millington led on the deal, with support from partners Craig Armstrong (telecoms) and Rachel Nicholls (IP), associate Jack Beech and solicitor Rachel Edwards, as well as tax partner Tom Wilde, corporate associate Anna Kerrane and consultant Purvi Parekh.
Richard said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Matthew in the delivery of this product and service. It goes without saying that Matthew is incredibly passionate about this product, one which he's built from the ground up and will make such a big difference to so many people. It's incredibly exciting to be part of and I am in no doubt this will be a massive success globally."
David Jackson, national head of commercial at Shoosmiths, said "This deal is a great example of the work that our telecoms practice is undertaking for a number of the UK's MNOs and demonstrates the strength and depth of our national technology team to support innovative solutions such as MT clearSound."
Matthew said: "I was very pleased that Richard and his team at Shoosmiths were able to advise and help us negotiate some complex, inter-related documents against testing timetables in closing Goshawk's first MVNO deal with one of the UK main telecoms operators. A challenging task which required some sensitive handling of different parties with their own agendas and priorities which showed the real professionalism of Shoosmiths and of Richard and his team.
"Throughout, Richard was courteous, not afraid to challenge instructions but did so in a constructive manner that put the interests of the business first and foremost. We also had some fun times and worked well together so it was a real pleasure to close this deal with Richard and Goshawk looks forward to the next one."