Chronology of Communications 2016

December

ANACOM launches consultation on the draft regulation on the security and integrity of electronic communications networks and services.
Entry into force, on 27 December, of Decree-Law no. 58/2016 of 29 August, establishing the requirement that all organisations offer priority service to people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and people with infants when providing in-person customer service to the public.
ANACOM approves final decisions as regards i) definition of the relevant market, significant market power, imposition, maintenance, amendment or withdrawal of regulatory obligations and ii) the fixed termination costing model concerning the wholesale market for call termination on the public telephone network at a fixed location.
ANACOM approves final decisions on the wholesale market for call termination on the public telephone network at a fixed location (market 1 of Recommendation 2014/710/EU), determining a reduction of 42% in fixed termination wholesale prices (price cut from 0.1114 cents per minute to 0.0644 cents per minute).
European Commission publishes explanatory brochures on roaming charges in the EU.
Publication, on 16 December, of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2292 setting out the weighted average of maximum mobile termination rates across the Union and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2352.
Publication, on 15 December, of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2286 laying down detailed rules on the application of fair use policy and on the methodology for assessing the sustainability of the abolition of retail roaming surcharges and on the application to be submitted by a roaming provider for the purposes of that assessment.
Publication, on 14 December, of Regulation no. 1093/2016, approving the operational conditions applicable to the use of airspace by remotely piloted civil aircraft systems (drones).

November

Publication, on 28 November, of Decree-Law no. 81/2016, establishing the organisational structure of the Polícia Judiciária (Criminal Police) and Unidade Nacional de Combate ao Cibercrime e à Criminalidade Tecnológica (National Cybercrime and Technological Crime Unit), replacing Unidade Nacional da Investigação da Criminalidade Informática (National Computer Crime Investigation Unit), which is closed.
ANACOM sets the value of the t2 percentage contribution, as regards 2016, at 0.2663% (applied to relevant revenues reported by postal service providers), and approves issuance of billing in respect of the annual fee for exercise of the activity of supplier of postal services.
ANACOM sets the value of the t2 percentage contribution, as regards 2016, at 0.6884% (applied to relevant revenues reported by suppliers of electronic communications networks and services), and approves issuance of billing in respect of the annual fee for exercise of the activity of supplier of electronic communications networks and services.
ANACOM orders MEO to proceed with the installation of a transmitter to remedy a situation of non-compliance in respect of provision of DTT services reported in Fornos, Castelo de Paiva.
European Commission launches public consultation on next generation Internet, including on issues related to specific areas of technology that may become relevant for the Internet of the future, such as decentralised architectures, immersive environments and networking solutions beyond IP.
ANACOM compiles contributions from electronic communications service providers on the European Commission's package of legislative proposals for a review of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.
ANACOM issues a clarification on the registration of 5.8 GHz BFWA stations.
ANACOM launches a consultation on a draft Regulation regarding provision of statistical information on electronic communications.
ANACOM approves the results of the audit of net costs of universal service (NCUS) of MEO, in respect of 2014 (the period prior to designation of the universal service provider by tender) and determines the final value of the 2014 NCUS as 7,721,670.71 euros.

October

ANACOM approves the report on the results of the monitoring carried out as regards quality of service levels offered by CTT in 2014.
Publication of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1804 of 10 October on the detailed rules for the application of articles 34 and 35 of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors.

September

ANACOM approves public consultation report on the actions to be set out in the Multi-Annual Activities Plan for the period 2017-2019.
ANACOM approves a review of the settlement of fees due in respect of the activity of supplier of publicly available electronic communications networks and services for 2013, impacting the value of the t2 percentage rate, which is reduced from 0.5491% to 0.5488%.
ANACOM submits draft decision to consultation on the amendment of conditions attached to the right of use of frequencies allocated to MEO for the DTT broadcasting service - Multiplexer A (MUX A), subsequent to Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 37-C/2016 of 8 July and Law no. 33/2016 of 24 August.
European Commission launches four tenders under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2016 work programme, to support the financing of digital services infrastructure in Member States, in the following areas: automatic translation, cybersecurity, electronic invoicing and access to digital resources of European heritage (Europeana).
BEREC publishes opinion on Portugal's draft measure on markets 3a and 3b.
ANACOM revamps image and content of its Consumers’ Website.
ANACOM approves MEO’s cost of capital rate for financial year 2016 at 8.7304%.
ANACOM releases a video illustrating the regulator’s mission, values and activity, outlining its role in the communications sector and in the day-to-day activity of all market players and the general public.
European Commission proposes new European Code for electronic communications.
ANACOM approves final decision on the review of high-quality electronic communications markets at a fixed location (access and trunk segments) (market 4 of Recommendation 2014/710/EU and market 14 of Recommendation 2003/311/EC).

August

BEREC publishes guidelines on the implementation of European net neutrality rules by national regulators.
Publication of Law no. 33/2016, which supports expansion of the provision of digital terrestrial television (DTT) programme services, under proper technical conditions and ensuring price control over the provision of the DTT signal transmission and broadcasting service.
Publication of ANACOM Regulation no. 829/2016 laying down the requirements applicable to pre-contractual and contractual information provided by companies providing public communications networks or publicly available electronic communications services.
ANACOM approves national strategic plan for the radio spectrum, which essentially seeks to establish guidelines on the availability of frequencies for civil radio services/applications, satisfying spectrum requirements and the specifications of each service/application.
European Commission publishes public consultation report on the review of the wholesale market for roaming, fair use policies and sustainability mechanism - consultation from 26 November 2015 until 18 February 2016.
European Commission launches "EU-U.S. Privacy Shield", which establishes a new legal framework for the transfer of personal data from the EU to the United States.
European Commission publishes preliminary findings of the public consultation on the evaluation and review of the ePrivacy Directive, which lays down the rules governing the processing of personal data and the approach to privacy in electronic communications sector.
ANACOM approves draft final decision for notification to the European Commission, BEREC and the national regulatory authorities of other EU Member States on MEO's cost of capital rate, applicable to financial year 2016.
ANACOM commences procedure to prepare a Regulation on the security and integrity of networks and services.
ANACOM commences procedure to amend the Regulamento da Portabilidade (Portability Regulation).
ANACOM responds to the European Commission’s reservations on the draft decision adopted in respect of the analysis of markets 3a and 3b (broadband markets), proposing the non-regulation of access to MEO’s optical fibre network in areas considered non-competitive.
ANACOM approves calculation of the costs of regulating the activity of provider of electronic communications networks and services, for the purpose of the fees payable in 2016, amounting to 29,882,629 euros.
ANACOM approves the calculation of the costs of regulating the activity of provider of postal services for the purpose of the fees payable in 2016, amounting to 2,167,300 euros.

July

ANACOM launches public consultation on the actions of the Multi-Annual Activities Plan for the three-year period of 2017-2019 and respective timetable.
ANACOM commences procedure to prepare a Regulation aimed at setting rules governing use of geographic and mobile numbers in nomadic situations.
ANACOM approves Regulation on pre-contractual and contractual information in the context of electronic communications.
ANACOM issues statement to clarify reports in the media concerning an expansion to the offer of channels over DTT.
ANACOM approves and publishes report on the administrative costs and sum of fees charged in respect of financial year 2015.
ANACOM commences procedure to prepare a Regulation on the provision of information of a statistical nature.
Publication, on 8 July, of Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 37-C/2016, which orders reservation of capacity necessary to expand the offer of programme services on the DTT platform. RTP3 and RTP Memória become part of the offer of DTT channels.
ANACOM approves final decision on the timetable for the determination and submission of information for purposes of reviewing the reference speeds associated with coverage obligations in the 800 MHz frequency band for each of the companies subject to obligations (MEO, NOS, Vodafone), in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Multiband Auction Regulation.
Publication on 6 July of Directive (EU) 2016/1148 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union.
European Parliament adopts draft NIS Directive (network and information security), the first piece of legislation at EU level on cybersecurity, establishing a set of measures to prevent cyber incidents in Europe.

June

ANACOM approves draft final decision for notification to the European Commission, BEREC and the national regulatory authorities of other EU Member States on the analysis of wholesale local access markets at a fixed location (market 3a) and wholesale central access at a fixed location for mass-market products (market 3b).
ANACOM approves draft final decision for notification to the European Commission, BEREC and the national regulatory authorities of other EU Member States on high-quality electronic communications markets at a fixed location (access and trunk segments) (market 4 of Recommendation 2014/710/EU and market 14 of Recommendation 2003/311/EC).
Publication on 24 June of Decree-Law no. 30/2016, amending legislation concerning restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
ANACOM submits opinion to Assembleia da República (Assembly of the Republic) on the draft of Law 98/XIII/1.^a, on expanding the offer of programme services on DTT, ensuring appropriate technical conditions and price control.
Publication on 22 June of Judgment no. 138/2016 of 22 June of the Portuguese Constitutional Court on the imposition of fines on providers for non-compliance with the Regulamento da Portabilidade (Portability Regulation).
Publication on 15 June of Regulation no. 593/2016, which defines the terms and procedures governing operation of the Radio Data System (RDS).
ANACOM concludes cooperation protocol with Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança) - Higher School of Technology and Management, in the context of telecommunications infrastructure in buildings and telecommunications infrastructure in housing developments, urban settlements and concentrations of buildings.
EC launches public consultation to identify opportunities for the coordinated introduction of 5G networks in Europe and evaluate elements for the preparation of a 5G Action Plan for the deployment of infrastructure from 2020.
EC adopts draft Regulation which provides for the revision of wholesale roaming prices, with a view to implementing the principle of “roam like at home”. This proposal amends Regulation (EU) no. 531/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2012, establishing maximum prices at 0.04 euros/minute, 0.01 euro/SMS and 0.0085 euros/megabyte.
Publication on 17 June of Law no. 15/2016, which reinforces consumer protection in contracts governing provision of electronic communications services with lock-in periods (twelfth amendment to Law no. 5/2004 of 10 February).
ANACOM approves amendment of the decision on the transfer to NOS of the rights of use of numbering held by ZON TV Cabo Portugal.
Government conducts public consultation on draft legislation establishing the legal regime to govern the availability in the market, putting into service and use of radio equipment, transposing Directive no. 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment.
ANACOM strengthens campaign on international roaming with dissemination of information in print and digital media, including advertising on mobile devices.
ANACOM approves Regulation governing the operation of Radio Data System (RDS), which defines the technical specification of the RDS system, RDS system applications and respective conditions, and defines procedures to be followed to obtain authorisation to operate the RDS system and the items to be included in the corresponding authorisation title.
BEREC launches public consultation on net neutrality guidelines.
The exhibition "The submarine cable in a sea of connectivity, promoted by ANACOM and hosted by Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações (Portuguese Communications Foundation) seeks to demonstrate the importance of submarine cables in global communications over the past 150 years. The exhibition was awarded the prize Best Exhibition of 2015 by Associação Portuguesa de Museologia (Portuguese Museology Association) ex aequo with the exhibition "Jóias da Carreira da Índia" at Fundação do Oriente.
ANACOM approves 2015 annual report and accounts of the electronic communications universal service compensation fund.
ANACOM revokes rights to use the codes 68954, 68955, 62964 and 62965 and registration no. ICP-ANACOM 1/2015 SVA granted to Euro da Sorte for provision of message-based valued added services.
EC adopts proposed Regulation on cross-border parcel delivery services, which seeks to improve regulatory oversight, encourage competition and increase transparency of tariffs, in order to reduce the prices paid by individuals and small businesses, especially in remote areas.
EC publishes report on digital progress in the EU, which reveals disparities in the development of the digital economy among Member States, highlighting, in 2015, increasing Internet speed and mobility, greater coverage in the provision of public services online and also increasing uptake of e-commerce.

May

ANACOM declares conformity of the Sistema de Contabilidade Analítica (Analytical Accounting System) used by MEO with respect to 2014.
EC launches public consultation on the revision of the European Interoperability Framework.
Council of Ministers of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy reaches agreement on the draft decision on the use of the 700 MHz (694-790 MHz) frequency band for mobile broadband, which aims to reduce the digital divide and enable the effective implementation of innovative services, while preserving the continuity of conventional television services.
EC publishes a set of key principles for product comparison tools, which seek to guide providers to ensure that comparison tools comply with relevant legislation, notably the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.
Publication on 19 May of Order no. 6590/2016, which establishes a working group for the alternative resolution of consumer disputes, seeking to evaluate and propose measures to support and promote the role of the national consumer arbitration network and promote conditions for the balance and financial sustainability of consumer dispute arbitration centres.
EC publishes the results of two public consultations conducted in the context of the Digital Strategy for the Single Market, on: (i) review of Directive 93/83/EEC on the coordination of certain rules concerning copyright and rights related to copyright applicable to satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission; (ii) technical measures related to the end of roaming charges in the EU.
EC launches public consultation on the review of the various directives related to consumer protection and consumer rights, with the aim of simplifying European legislation, reducing regulation costs and contributing to a clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework.
European Council adopts draft NIS Directive (network and information security) on cybersecurity - the first legislation at EU level - aiming to increase cooperation between Member States in this area.
ANACOM launches a weekly spot on Radio Renascença, lasting 16 weeks, to enhance the information made available to consumers on specific sector issues.
The EC, the European Parliament and the Council reach agreement on a draft directive on rules to make public sector web sites and mobile applications across the EU more accessible, especially for people with disabilities.
Government holds public consultation on the draft amendment of Decree-Law no. 123/2009 of 21 May, which established the legal regime governing the construction of infrastructure suitable for carrying electronic communications networks, the installation of electronic communications networks and the construction of telecommunications infrastructure in housing developments, urban settlements and concentrations of buildings.
ANACOM rejects complaint submitted by NOS Comunicações as regards the notification of the end of existing restrictions to operations in the 800 MHz frequency band.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the National Strategic Plan for the Radio Spectrum.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the strategic guidelines for the 2017-2019 Multi-Annual Activities Plan.

April

ANACOM launches information campaign on the new roaming rules which apply from 30 April 2016. With the slogan "Roaming in Europe has not ended, but it has changed. Contact your operator before travelling and check what you will be charged", the campaign aims to inform consumers about the new tariffs charged by providers.
Entry into force on 30 April of Regulation (EU) 2015/2120 of 25 November 2015, with new rules on roaming, seeking to advance the elimination of differences between national tariffs and roaming tariffs in the EEA.
OECD publishes report analysing trends in mobile roaming prices since 2012.
Publication on 28 April of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/687 on the harmonisation of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services and for flexible national use in the EU.
Publication on 27 April of Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).
EC publishes full reports of public consultations on the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications and on the future needs of Internet speed and quality beyond 2020 - consultations conducted in the context of the Digital Single Market.
EC announces package of measures to promote digitalisation in Europe and help European industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers and public authorities make the most of new technologies.
ANACOM releases list of parishes with access and coverage by high-speed fixed networks, which are supported by optical fibre and cable television distribution networks.
European Parliament approves legislative package on data protection (Regulation and Directive), which will be a key tool for the creation of the Digital Single Market and the accomplishment of the EU agenda on security.
Connecting Europe Facility launches online portal - "CEF Digital Single Web Portal" - which contains information and tools related to building blocks and to the infrastructure of digital services.
ANACOM publishes set of questions (50% of total) for examinees preparing to sit the amateur aptitude exam.
ANACOM determines that from 1 July 2016, the maximum price for termination of voice calls on mobile networks to be applied by mobile operators notified as having significant market power is 0.81 cents per minute, with billing per second from the first second.
EC launches public consultation on the review of the ePrivacy Directive laying down the rules governing the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector.
ANACOM launches "ANACOM Alerts" initiative, which aims to enhance the information made available to consumers on specific sector issues, reflecting the main issues raised in complaints received. The six-month initiative entails the weekly publication of alerts on different subjects in Portuguese newspapers Correio da Manhã and Jornal de Notícias.
ANACOM begins cooperation in the publication of a "Consumer Tips" column in Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias, enhancing the information made available to consumers on specific sector issues.
ANACOM approves new values of t2 fee payable by providers of postal services in respect of 2015.
ANACOM rejects the request of NOS to suspend execution of the decision of 10 March 2016 on the notification of the end of existing restrictions to operations in the 800 MHz frequency band, as identified in Annex 1 to Regulation no. 560-A/2011 of 19 October (Multiband Auction Regulation).

March

EC publishes preliminary results of the public consultation on the review of wholesale roaming markets, fair use policies and sustainability mechanism.
EC publishes preliminary findings of its antitrust inquiry into electronic commerce.
ANACOM determines the immediate suspension of the 68954 and 68955 codes used by Euro da Sorte, a company providing message-based valued added services.
ANACOM releases study on price comparisons of the universal postal service in the EU in 2015.
EC launches public consultation on fixed and mobile termination rates, in order to assess the impact of the 2009 Recommendation on termination rates on termination markets and on the EU single market.
ANACOM grants NOS a waiver from the requirement to deliver the value of the contribution which it is obliged to pay to the universal service compensation fund in respect of the CLSU - Custos Líquidos do Serviço Universal (Net Costs of Universal Service) in 2014 (the period following designation of the universal service provider by tender).
ANACOM approves launch of public consultation concerning the definition of the market of high quality electronic communications at a fixed location, assessment of significant market power and the imposition, maintenance, amendment or withdrawal of regulatory obligations (market 4 of Recommendation 2014/710/EU).
ANACOM decides to notify the companies MEO, NOS and Vodafone as regards the end of the restrictions applicable to the 800 MHz frequency band, as laid down in paragraph 8 of article 34 and point a) of paragraph 8 of article 35 of the Multiband Auction Regulation.
ANACOM decides to impose additional mobile broadband coverage obligations on MEO, NOS and Vodafone in the national territory following the renewal of these operators' licences for a further 15 years.
ANACOM declares termination of the procedure initiated to consider the application, presented by Vodafone on 29 September 2015, for granting a temporary network licence.
EC announces the results of two public consultations, one on the broadband needs of Europe and the other on the review of the regulatory framework for telecommunications.
ANACOM declares expiry, as from 26 April 2016, of the regulatory obligations imposed on MEO related to the wholesale market of television broadcasting services over terrestrial analogue networks.
OECD releases data on broadband with reference to June 2015.
ANACOM approves the determination of the reference speeds associated with coverage obligations in the 800 MHz frequency band for MEO, NOS and Vodafone.

February

Publication, on 25 February, of Notice no. 2412/2016 announcing the launch of a public consultation on the draft Radio Regulation for Operation of the Radio Data System (RDS).
Approval given to the model for the identification card which must be carried by ANACOM employees who perform enforcement functions and by persons or agent staff mandated to carry out or supervise inspections and audits.
ANACOM publishes report with information on the use of over-the-top services (OTT) - instant messaging services and voice and video-calls over the Internet - in Portugal and in the EU in 2015.
ANACOM approves renewal, for a period of 15 years, of the rights of use of frequencies allocated in the 2100 MHz band to NOS, MEO and Vodafone, for terrestrial electronic communications services (renewal takes effect in mid-2018).
EC launches platform to help consumers and retailers resolve disputes relating to goods and services purchased online, without going through the courts.
ERGP publishes report which reveals challenges of the postal market in Europe.
ANACOM accepts the selection of auditing firm Ernst & Young Audit & Associados - SROC, by Vodafone for the purposes of the arrangements laid down in Article 6 of Regulation on the procedures governing collection and delivery to municipalities of the Taxa Municipal de Direitos de Passagem (Municipal Fee for Rights of Way).
ANACOM approves amendment to the title of rights of use of frequencies (ANACOM no. 03/2012) assigned to Vodafone Portugal for terrestrial electronic communications services, with effect from 24 December 2015.
Rectification of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1501 of 8 September 2015 on the interoperability framework pursuant to Article 12(8) of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market.
ANACOM discloses "Study on substitutability between fixed broadband and mobile broadband", conducted by IMR - Instituto de Marketing Research (Institute of Marketing Research).
EC presents draft Decision providing for the use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband electronic communications services, according to harmonised technical conditions laid down by the EC.
ANACOM approves the public consultation report on the availability of spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band.
ANACOM approves decision identifying the undertakings required to contribute to the electronic communications universal service compensation fund and determining the amount of the contributions in respect of the CLSU - Custos Líquidos do Serviço Universal (Net Costs of Universal Service) to be compensated for the 2010-2011 period (CLSU approved in 2014) and for 2014 (the period after the designation of universal service providers by tender).
ANACOM makes information available to the public on a daily basis about the quality of the DTT signal; this information is obtained from the nationwide network of probes. This information is provided through a tool that identifies the signal quality level in all districts as green, red and yellow.

January

In 2015, ANACOM instigated proceedings in 429 cases over the commission of administrative offences.
In 2015, ANACOM undertook more than 7,000 enforcement actions.
ANACOM conducts study on Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA).
ANACOM announces that it is authorising use of the 1850-2000 kHz band under the conditions laid down in the National Table of Frequency Allocations (NTFA) for the 1830-1850 kHz band, for participation in competitions during 2016.
EP adopts a Resolution "Towards a Digital Single Market Act" setting out its views on the "Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe" presented by the European Commission on 6 May 2015.
ANACOM considers that the pricing proposal for services comprising the universal service, as presented by CTT, complies with the principles and criteria governing the formulation of applicable pricing in respect of universal service pricing, as defined by ANACOM by decision of 21 November 2014, rectified on 25 June 2015.
ANACOM makes the SIC - Sistema De Informação Centralizado (Centralized Information System) available, a reference platform for up-to-date information on infrastructure suitable for carrying electronic communications networks.
ANACOM approves form used to apply for SIC access accreditation.
Publication, on 7 January, of Notice no. 124/2016 on the declaration of conformity of the Sistema de Contabilidade Analítica (Analytical Accounting System) used by CTT, with respect to the 2011 and 2012 financial years.
Following the audit carried out by Baker Tilly, PG & Associados, ANACOM approves the declarations of conformity of the Sistema de Contabilidade Analítica (Analytical Accounting System) used by CTT for the 2011 and 2012 financial years, with the legal and regulatory provisions.
ANACOM approves draft decision on the revision of relevant revenues in respect of the 2012 financial year, revision of t2 rate for 2013 and an additional settlement of fees payable by suppliers of publicly available electronic communications networks and services in respect of 2013, due to a correction made to the value of relevant revenues reported for MEO in accordance with the final values given regarding the net costs of universal service for the year 2012.
ANACOM approves rectification of its final decision of 1 October 2015 concerning the definition of terrestrial cover obligations to be incorporated into the right of use of frequencies allocated to MEO - Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia (MEO) in the context of digital terrestrial television - multiplexer A (DTT MUX A).