In 2011, ICP-ANACOM conducted a series of studies, compiling information useful to sector regulation, and acquiring improved and enhanced knowledge of various issues involving the electronic communications and postal sectors, including:
6.8.1. Studies on quality service
With a view to compiling information, several studies were conducted in 2011 on quality of service (QoS) in the context of the land mobile service, seeking to evaluate levels of service actually provided by Optimus, Vodafone Portugal and TMN. The studies focused on the QoS of message services (text and multimedia), and the actual performance of operators in the provision of voice call and video-telephone services, on mainland Portugal (main urban areas and main roads), in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, on Alfa high-speed trains and on the suburban rail network of the Porto region.
6.8.2. Study on bundles of electronic communications services in Portugal
This study analysed the evolution of the offer of electronic communications services provided as bundles in Portugal, starting with an examination of the viability of the current concept of bundles of services, as used by service providers and by outside entities, such as the EC.
The study also looked at the reasons why service providers offer bundled offers and the impact of their sale on electronic communications markets, including in terms of competition and possible implications in terms of the evolution of the definition and analysis of relevant markets susceptible to ex ante regulation.
In addition, a range of statistical indicators on bundles of services is presented, looking at the best methods for analysing available statistical data and compiling new information.
6.8.3. Study on challenges regarding the liberalisation of the postal sector
A study was conducted on the challenges brought about by the liberalisation of the postal sector, presenting the evolution of the postal service in Portugal and identifying the main challenges facing the providers of postal services and ICP-ANACOM, in the accomplishment of the sector's full liberalisation.
It also offers a view on postal economics in Portugal, using key postal activity indicators and a characterization of postal consumption (business and residential). The study also characterized the activity of the main postal service providers operating in Portugal, identifying the major business segments and their relative weightings.
Some case studies are also presented of countries which have accomplished full liberalisation of the service, seeking to extract lessons which are useful to the national case.
6.8.4. Comparison study on of prices of providers of the universal postal service in the European Union in 2011
ICP-ANACOM conducted a study entitled "Comparison of prices of Universal Postal Service providers in the EU in 2011". This study, which is conducted on an annual basis, compiles a comparison of prices of the most commonly used postal services encompassed by the US and as provided by the Universal Service Providers (USP) in each of the Member States of the EU, based on current exchange rates and also based on purchasing power parity (PPP), as well as tracking developments over the past four years. The study also included a comparison of pricing for newspapers and periodicals.
Finally it should be noted that ICP-ANACOM took part in a study conducted by the EC: "Intra-Community cross-border parcel delivery", developed by FTI Consulting; and accompanied the "Study on appropriate methodologies to better measure consumer preferences for postal services", developed by RAND Europe, in parallel with the above.
6.8.5. Study on broadband in Portugal
In the second quarter of 2011, ICP-ANACOM conducted a study entitled "Broadband in Portugal, 2011 - forms of access, types of use".
This study enabled an understanding of how users access the Internet, whether by fixed access or mobile access, the type of access attributed to accesses, satisfaction with accesses and the intention of quitting or changing means of Internet access.
Unlike other studies carried out by ICP-ANACOM and other organizations, this study enables a characterisation of the forms of use of all means of Internet access available to the respondent, not just the most used access. In addition, it enabled a comparison of how each access is used when this is the only means of access available to the respondent and when this means of access is complemented by other means of Internet access.
6.8.6. Progress report on the analogue-digital transition
Throughout 2011, ICP-ANACOM produced quarterly reports on the progress of Portugal's analogue-digital transition. These reports consolidate qualitative and quantitative information on DTT, reporting on the status and progress of the transition process. The quantitative information in the report refers to the DTT coverage rate, provided by PTC on a quarterly basis; the rate of paid television subscription and the number of digital signal reception devices sold; and other information. Qualitative information refers to activities engaged in by ICP-ANACOM, alone or with other entities, to promote the transition to DTT.
6.8.7. Market studies regarding the switch off of the analogue television signal
In order to provide an evaluation of the process of ceasing television transmissions of the analogue system, a number of studies were conducted, through surveys, according to the switch off area and according to the dates established in the switch off plan:
1. Study on Alenquer pilot area
2. Study in Cacém pilot area (two survey phases)
3. Study in Nazaré pilot area
4. Study in the coastal areas of mainland Portugal (two survey phases)
5. Monitoring study in mainland Portugal
In general, the various studies, conducted by Marktest, revealed high levels of knowledge about DTT, as well as about the switch off of the analogue signal.
With regard to studies of the coastal area and to monitoring in mainland Portugal, preceding the two key junctures in the switch-off process, in addition to a high level of awareness about DTT, it was found that 70 percent of people who had to migrate were already prepared to do so, while 20 percent reported their intention to prepare before the switch-off date.
