During 2007, quarterly statistical information was collected, handled, validated and analysed regarding the cable TV distribution service (DTH included), the Internet access service, the data transmission service, the nomadic VoIP service and FWA. Data was also collected, handled and validated for the purpose of designating relevant markets and to assess SMP situations concerning fixed retail and interconnection services, the leased lines service, and the broadband Internet access service.
Standing out is the fact that statistics regarding package offers were collected for the first time, in a consolidated way, in 2007.
The information collected at the operators was complemented with information obtained through consumer surveys and directly from the operators' websites. Surveys were carried out on the use of electronic communications services and the perception of quality by users. Broadband tariff schemes were also collected in order to perform international price comparisons, later published.
Regarding the validation of the information sent by operators, an audit was carried out to the MTS's 2002-2004 statistical data.
It should be mentioned that, during the year under review, there was a reformulation of the (fixed) Internet access service indicators - approved by a determination of 19 December 2007 - and of the paid TV service - submitted to public consultation on 24 October 2007 - taking into account the technological evolution occurred in the meanwhile, namely television broadcasting using the copper network that supports the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and FWA systems, and the need to reply to information requests from external entities, namely the EC.
Besides being used internally for the purpose of monitoring electronic communications services and markets, and the fulfilment of ICP-ANACOM's remaining legal and statutory obligations, this information is provided to the public through ICP-ANACOM's Internet website, on quarterly reports, and as an annex to the State of Communications Report.
In the context of the provision and disclosure of statistical information, ICP-ANACOM decided, after hearing the interested parties, to start disclosing the market shares of subscribers, customers, accesses and traffic for the FTS and the Internet access service, in order to foster transparency, to assure that everyone may access the information they need to make their best choices and decisions, and to foster knowledge about the industry, thus contributing to the development of markets and competition.
