USP public payphone strategy

As set out in determination of 15 July 2004, PTC submitted a statement on its development strategy for public payphones for 2008, along with the respective implementation report.

The public payphone development strategy presented for 2008 referenced: (i) a declining trend in the total number of public payphones, (ii) the replacement of equipment affected by vandalism, including consideration of relocation in more serious cases, (iii) the redefinition of coverage in places of special social interest, and (iv) the continuation of measures to respond to the specific needs of users with special needs.

The table and graph below show the relevant data for each type, according to geographical distribution, including that provided for in the statement of the development strategy for 2008, and that actually achieved this year and the respective deviations.

^{Source: PTC.}

^{Source: PTC.}

Graph 32. Percentage deviation of actual total public payphones in 2008 from number planned

(Click to enlarge image)

As can be seen in the chart above, in most districts the total accomplished was actually worse than planned (13 districts), with the largest negative deviations found in the districts of Portalegre, Bragança and Leiria, with -9.3 percent (corresponding to 47 payphones), -7.0 percent (corresponding to 54 payphones) and -7.2 percent (corresponding to 110 payphones), respectively. Given the various types of payphone, and as shown in the table above, it is noted that, with the exception "Conventional Telephones", in which there was a positive deviation of 4.3 percent (corresponding to 452 payphones), all other types showed negative deviations in actual numbers from those forecast.

As regards the allocation of public payphones in places of social interest, the following table summarizes the information provided by PTC with respect to actual and forecast numbers in 2008, and the deviations seen at each location.

^{Source: PTC information and ICP-ANACOM calculations.}

In light of the graph and table above, it can be seen that for all payphones, there was a negative difference of only 0.2 percent between the actual number and the number forecast for 2008, which in absolute terms represents only 7 payphones.

Regarding the total number of public payphones directed particularly at users with special needs, it is noted that at the end of 2008, there was a total of 294 cabins which allowed wheelchair entry, representing a positive deviation of 10.5 percent compared to the value that was forecast in the strategy declaration for the year (266 cabins), while it should be pointed out that the actual number was essentially achieved through the resolution of pending situations, given that the installation of this type of payphone, in light of their size and form of operation, entails a more complex municipality authorisation process.

ICP-ANACOM will follow developments in this field in 2009, taking into account the need to ensure a fair balance between the satisfaction of social needs and avoiding increases to the costs of the US and impacting the efficiency of its delivery.