ANACOM ? the Portuguese regulatory authority for the communications sector, including electronic communications ? is entrusted with regulating a sector with continuous growth, driven in the large part by constant advances in technology which are also associated with users? needs. In this context of dynamic evolution, which involves significant legislative and regulatory developments at both national and European level, it is appropriate to make available the instruments of reference underlying the regulation activity.
This compilation improves this objective, being a selection of the more relevant and essential instruments, including legislation, ANACOM regulations and determinations, as well as an index of the most important measures adopted at EU level. Intended to be a document for consultation, it should prove useful for anyone who, while not directly involved in the world of electronic communications, is interested in following related issues. Accordingly, and in light of the economic and social importance of this key sector, whose effects reach across the whole of civil society, it is possible to identify a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in the respective developments and with a natural curiosity for gaining knowledge about the sector?s general framework.
It is not meant to be an exhaustive collection of all sector legislation and decisions applicable in Portugal - a task which would be beyond the aims of this initiative - rather it is meant as a support to facilitate access to the fundamental instruments in an organized way.
This publication follows the present practise of ANACOM to publish a wide range of information, for which our website ? 
www.anacom.pthttps://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=2958 ? plays a major part. On the website all relevant national and European legislation can be found, along with the regulations and determinations of ANACOM and other useful items on the functioning and development of the market and on the activity of the regulator.
This collection can thus be accessed on ANACOM?s website, in both Portuguese and English, and is continuously updated. Anyone interested can download or print the full version or just subsequent updates. It should be noted that the provision of this publication is entirely the responsibility of ANACOM, and consultation of the official versions of the instruments contained within remains necessary.
