The promotion of Information Society development is a crucial part of communications regulation.
To achieve this, the ICP brings together the other two areas of action, related to the development of open and competitive markets and the protection of consumers 'and users' interests.
Some of the actions in these areas are of crucial importance for an Information Society, namely:
- Defining a new interconnection pricing scheme for Internet access, which includes all of the service including the definition of timed and non-timed (flat rate) services and all other associated actions;
- Alterations that have been imposed in the Primary Access ISDN offer, which is an infrastructure used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to build its networks;
- Decisions made on the reformulation of PT's leased lines offer;
- Developments concerning Terrestrial Digital Television (TDT) and UMTS platforms.
Apart from these actions, which have been detailed in the areas mentioned above, the following are also of importance:
a) The Convergence and Regulation Project
A strategic action proposal for development of the audiovisual and telecommunications sectors in a context of technological convergence prompted the "Convergence and Regulation" project, created by joint order of the Ministers of the Presidency and of Infrastructure of 26 June 2001.
The project counted contributions from a group of reputed and experienced communications and media sector professionals, appointed for that purpose by joint order of the Ministers of the Presidency and of Infrastructure. Representatives from the various participating organisations also contributed.
In light of the position they assume in their respective sectors, the joint action undertaken by the Portuguese Media Institute (ICS) and the ICP is considered to be of particular importance, as they fulfilled their obligation to set up a joint working group to identify issues raised by convergence.
The work in this context has prompted preparation of a public consultation project whose launch is scheduled for 2002;
b) Convergence and Development Platform
The ICP, in a joint effort with telecommunications operators, television companies, content providers and equipment manufacturers, created a platform so that contributions can be gathered to redefine the telecommunications sector. Such redefinition includes a new model of convergence for technologies and services, which will necessarily lead to changes in the ICP's role as a regulator.
This Convergence and Development Platform is made up of three working groups that handle queries from consumers, operators and industry.
In 2001, meetings and seminars were held about this platform, namely on the "ICP's Activity in International Organizations" and "Digital Television and the People with Special Needs";
c) Participation in the Interministerial Commission for an Information Society (CISI), co-ordinated by the Minister of Science and Technology, via the Chairman of the ICP's Board of Administration, who is a member of the Infrastructure Ministry delegation;
d) Promotion of projects that use information technology, information in the communications and multimedia sectors, health, education and special needs. The following actions are highlighted:
- Finalisation of a Citizen Attendance Points pilot project - an extension of the so-called Lojas do Cidadão (Shops for Citizens); developed in partnership with the Lojas do Cidadão Management Institute (IGLC) and the CTT; the year 2001 witnessed the opening of 9 of the 11 points included in the project;
- Conclusion of the Strategic Initiative for Telemedicine Development; some 15 projects were developed in this context, counting the participation of various hospitals and health institutions;
- Launching of the "Millennium Generation" projects, focusing on teaching boys and girls (aged between 10 and 18) the basics of information and communications technologies;
- Inauguration of the Covilhã Cybercentre.
