The programme of Portugal’s XIX Constitutional Government was presented and debated in the Assembly of the Republic on 30 June and 1 July 2011. The programme was approved with no motion brought to reject the Government’s programme and no movement for a vote of confidence.
In terms of the telecommunications and postal services sector and with the view that it was essential to “create conditions which enable the improved functioning of the market, specifically though enhanced competition, whereby stronger and more effective regulation is required, in particular through the effective control of market power and all its externalities, for the benefit of society”, the Government’s programme sets out the following measures:
- Update the regulatory frameworks and improve and strengthen the quality of regulation with a view to increasing competition, for the benefit of consumers;
- Conduct auctions of new frequencies for wireless broadband access;
- Adopt measures to increase competition in the fixed communications market, specifically by reducing barriers to entry;
- Renegotiate the concession contract with the company which is currently providing the universal service of communications and launch a new tender for the designation of providers of universal services;
- Define the model of CTT’s privatisation and proceed with its implementation.
In the chapter on social communication, the programme addresses the changes that are currently underway, such as digital terrestrial television, which is due to cover the entire country in 2012, and next generation broadband, to guarantee that no citizens are excluded, particularly for economic reasons. As such, the State is committed to combating exclusion, in any form, acting decisively at a legislative and regulatory level.
Regulation, which needs to be strengthened, both in terms of independence and effectiveness, has the aim of correcting or remedying market failings or imperfections through the intervention of administrative authorities; these authorities have a high degree of independence from the Government (independent administrative authorities) and are covered separately in the programme of XIX Constitutional Government. In this context, the following measures are set out:
- Present a proposal on the legal status of independent administrative authorities, including their creation in parliamentary law;
- Transform entities with regulatory functions which are dependent on the Government, and where warranted by the importance of the markets which they regulate, into independent administrative authorities, reincorporating the remainder into the traditional administration;
- Strengthen the independence and responsibility of these authorities, changing the manner in which the members of their managing boards are appointed, involving in the appointment process, according to the nature of each entity, the Government, the Assembly of the Republic and the President of the Republic and taking care to prevent business conflicts, through the adoption of clear rules on conflict of interest and prohibited activities;
- Modify the institutional and legislative architecture of these entities, leading to a new framework for regulatory entities.
Further information:
- Programa do XIX Governo Constitucional http://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/GC19/Governo/ProgramaGoverno/Pages/ProgramadoGoverno.aspx
