Chronology of Communications 2017

December

Publication on 29 December of Law no. 114/2017, approving the 2018 state budget.
Publication on 29 December of Law 113/2017, approving the Major Planning Options for 2018.
Publication on 21 December of Notice no. 15409/2017 announcing entry into force, on 1 January 2018, of addenda to the ITED Manual (3rd edition) and to the ITUR Manual (2nd edition).
EU Council approves new rules to make cross-border parcel delivery services more efficient.
ANACOM approves decision on the deregulation of the market for call origination on the public telephone network provided at a fixed location enabling provision of special services supported by non-geographic numbering.
ANACOM approves final decision on the Regulation on the registration of undertakings offering electronic communications networks and services.
Publication on 13 December of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2311 setting out the weighted average of maximum mobile termination rates across the Union and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2292.
EU Council adopts list of legislative priorities for the Union for 2018-2019 (previously approved by the European Parliament and the European Commission).
Publication on 12 December of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) no. 2006/2004 (taking effect from 17 January 2020).
Publication on 7 December of Administrative Rule no. 365/2017, which regulates the SPNE - Serviço Público de Notificações Eletrónicas (Public Electronic Notifications Service), associated with the digital single address, as under Decree-Law no. 93/2017 of 1 August.
Publication of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2459 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) no. 282/2011 laying down implementing measures for Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax.
Celebrations mark 20th anniversary of FPC - Fundação Portuguesas das Comunicações (Portuguese Communications Foundation).

November

ANACOM approves public consultation report on the strategic guidelines, lines of action and the actions of the multi-year activities plan for the 2018-2020 three-year period.
João Cadete de Matos, Chairman of ANACOM’s Board of Directors is unanimously elected Chair of ERGP in 2019.
European Commission adopts new technical standards to make electronic payments in shops and on the Internet more secure.
ANACOM approves final decision on the inventories of real estate assets and movable property attached to the CTT concession (with reference to 2014 and 2015), including a set of determinations and recommendations to be implemented by CTT in the preparation of future inventories.
ANACOM submits draft decision of the Portuguese State on the "Analysis of the prices of wholesale offers supported by rural high-speed networks and proposal to reduce prices of Fibroglobal's offers" to prior hearing, upon request of the Government.
ANACOM approves withdrawal of draft decision on the wholesale market for call termination on the public telephone network at a fixed location, as regards the wholesale market for call origination on the telephone network public service provided at a fixed location for the provision of retail telephone services supported by indirect access.
ANACOM sets the t2 contribution rate (in respect of 2017) to be applied to the relevant revenues of providers of electronic communications networks and services at 0.7195% and approves issuance of billing of the annual fee payable for the exercise of activity of provider of electronic communication networks and services.
ANACOM sets the t2 contribution rate (in respect of 2017) to be applied to the relevant revenues of providers of postal services at 0.2277% and approves issuance of billing of the annual fee payable for the exercise of activity of provider of postal services.
ANACOM releases the publication "The communications market in the national economy (2012-2016)", which presents the trends in the communications market within the Portuguese economy between 2012 and 2016.
ANACOM approves a recommendation on the end of the contract governing the fixed telephone service (contract between the Portuguese State and NOS), given limited demand for the services covered.
Publication on 10 November of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/2077 amending Decision 2005/50/EC on the harmonisation of the 24 GHz range radio spectrum band for time-limited use by automotive short-range radar equipment in the Community.
Publication on 6 November of Decree-Law no. 136/2017, which enacts the third amendment to Decree-Law no. 3/2012 of 16 January (amended by Decree-Law no. 162 / 2013 of 4 December and Decree-Law no. 69/2014 of 9, May), approving the organisation structure of Gabinete Nacional de Segurança (National Security Office).
ANACOM approves a recommendation issued to companies offering public communications networks and publicly available electronic communications services recommending that they only charge for digital content or non-communication services (e.g. ringtones, games, contests or wallpapers), which are generally contracted through access to Internet pages, when their customers have expressly authorised such payments.
ANACOM approves final decision on the definition of the methodology for calculating the cost of capital of CTT, applicable to 2018 and subsequent financial years.
ANACOM approves final decision on the values of the quality of service indicators of the universal postal service reported by CTT in 2016.

October

ANACOM approves addenda to the ITED Manual (3rd edition) and the ITUR Manual (2nd edition), providing adaptation to the Construction Products Regulation (EU Regulation no. 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011), which lays down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products, including with application to telecommunications cables.
Publication on 25 October of Regulation (EU) no. 2017/1953 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) no. 1316/2013 and Regulation (EU) no. 283/2014 as regards promoting Internet connectivity in local communities.
BEREC and RSGP launch joint consultation on facilitating mobile connectivity in "challenge areas" (indoor, transportation means, non-profitable areas and other areas such as protected areas, “grey” areas, low quality of service areas).
ANACOM approves a recommendation issued to companies offering electronic communications services on charging for services that have become unavailable as a consequence of fires occurring in Portugal.
Publication on 31 October of Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 162/2017, which determines the conclusion of specific contracts by Infraestruturas de Portugal, S.A., with electronic communications operators, with a view to the increased substitution of aerial routes with underground infrastructure.
European Commission releases results of consultation on review of guidelines on market analysis and significant market power - SMP Guidelines.
European Commission publishes study on Spectrum Assignment in the European Union, which assesses the specific elements according to which radio spectrum, in particular for 5G usage including wireless broadband, should be authorised and assigned by Member States.
ITU launches online public consultation on gender equality in the digital world.
Publication on 16 October 2017 of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1870 on the publication of the reference of the European standard on electronic invoicing and the list of its syntaxes pursuant to Directive 2014/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.
ANACOM makes proposal to the Government for a reduction in the prices charged by Fibroglobal (reduction of between 24% and 55%).
ANACOM proposes a set of measures to improve the protection and resilience of telecommunications networks in the event of fire - following the fires in Pedrógão Grande, ANACOM decided to investigate the impact of forest fires on the infrastructure of electronic communications networks. Having noted the exposure of these networks to high risk factors of forest fires, ANACOM decided to recommend a set of measures to Assembleia da República (Assembly of the Republic), the Government, municipalities and telecommunications operators seeking to improve the protection and resilience of telecommunications infrastructure and services.
ANACOM approves amendments to the Leased Lines Reference Offer (LLRO) and the Reference Ethernet Leased Lines Offer (RELLO), to be implemented by MEO within 30 working days from the date of the decision.
EU Council approves regulation to promote the installation of free Wi-Fi access points in public spaces throughout the European Union, such as parks, squares, libraries and hospitals (WIFI4EU).

September

ANACOM launches public consultation on the draft Regulation on the registration of undertakings offering electronic communications networks and services.
Publication on 28 September of Statement of Rectification no. 26-A/2017, which rectifies Decree-Law no. 92/2017 of 31 July on Planning and Infrastructures, strengthening measures to reduce the cost of implanting high-speed electronic communications network, transposing to the national legal order the Directive no. 2014/61/EU.
European Commission launches a set of measures to strengthen and increase EU cybersecurity capacity.
ANACOM launches an information campaign on the new legal regimes governing radio and electronic communications equipment and the placing and making available of such equipment on the market, following transposition of the RED (radio equipment) and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) directives.
ANACOM approves decision on making available the supplements to contracts governing provision of encryption, multiplexing, transport and digital broadcasting services and complementary coverage (DTT), as concluded with MEO.
ANACOM issues invitation to equipment manufacturers and to providers of solutions for LTE mobile communications networks in the context of the LSA to participate in the prospective study of alternative spectrum management models and scenarios.
ANACOM approves the declarations of conformity issued in respect of CTT's analytical accounting system (financial years 2013 and 2014).
ANACOM approves methodology and ad-hoc questionnaire to verify obligations imposed on MEO, NOS and VODAFONE in the 2100 MHz band as regards coverage of the 588 parishes potentially lacking mobile broadband, as well as revision of the annual questionnaire.
ANACOM sets the density targets for the postal network and minimum offers of CTT services within the scope of the universal postal service (October 2017 to 2020).
ANACOM delivers opinion to AdC (Competition Authority) on the merger between MEO and Media Capital, arguing that the merger should not take place under the terms proposed, since, on that basis, it may create significant barriers to effective competition in the various electronic communications markets, ultimately causing harm to the end-consumer.
ANACOM announces commencement of procedure for the preparation of a regulation on the methodology to be used for setting the remuneration payable by electronic communications companies for access to and use of infrastructure suitable for carrying electronic communications networks.
European Parliament approves regulation to promote the installation of free Wi-Fi access points in public spaces throughout the EU, such as parks, squares, libraries and hospitals (WIFI4EU).
Publication (4 September) of Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 120/2017, appointing João Cadete de Matos as Chair of ANACOM's Board of Directors.

August

ANACOM orders MEO, in the context of the operator's "2GB adicionais de Internet" campaign, to obtain express consent from customers taking up the offer made in the campaign and prohibits the operator from billing or charging for any sum in respect to the provision of these services without first obtaining the customer's express consent.
Portugal elected for the first time to vice-presidency of the Scientific Committee of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI).
Publication (23 August) of Decree-Law no. 102/2017, which implements the SIMPLEX+ 2016 measure "Consumer information +simple".
With effect from 15 August, the Council of Ministers approves the appointment of João Cadete de Matos to the office of Chair of the Board of Directors of ANACOM, for a term of six years.
Publication (8 August) of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1483, amending Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices and repealing Decision 2005/928/EC.
Publication (4 August) of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1438, amending Decision 2007/131/EC on allowing the use of the radio spectrum for equipment using ultra-wideband technology in a harmonised manner in the Community.
Publication (1 August) of Decree-Law no. 93/2017, establishing the public service of electronic notifications associated with the unique digital address.

July

Publication (31 July) of Decree-Law no. 92/2017, which strengthens measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications network, transposing Directive no. 2014/61/EU into national legislation.
Publication (26 July) of Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 108/2017, approving the 2020 ICT Strategy and Action Plan.
ANACOM imposes corrective measures on MEO, NOS, NOWO and Vodafone concerning contractual changes, including a requirement to send subscribers written notifications with information about the amendments to the contractual conditions in question and affirming their right to terminate contracts without any charge where they do not accept the contractual changes.
ANACOM approves calculation of the sum of costs incurred in regulating the activity of postal service provider, for purposes of the fees to be settled in 2017 (1,857,755 euros).
ANACOM approves calculation of the sum of costs incurred in regulating the activity of provider of electronic communications networks and services, for purposes of the fees to be settled in 2017 (31,290,315 euros).
Publication (20 July) of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1358 on the identification of ICT Technical Specifications for referencing in public procurement.
ANACOM issues clarification on the universal service compensation fund, clarifying that it may grant providers authorisation not to deliver their contribution where they are entitled to a sum of compensation which exceeds the value of the contribution payable.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the strategic guidelines, lines of action and the actions of the multi-year activities plan for the 2018-2020 three-year period.
ANACOM denies the request put by Vectone Mobile (Portugal) Limited for exemption from the Roam-Like-At-Home scheme, and does not authorise application of a surcharge for the roaming services provided by this company.
ANACOM launches public consultation on draft regulation amending Regulation 829/2016 of 23 August, on pre-contractual and contractual information in the area of electronic communications.
ITU releases the "Global Cybersecurity Index 2017", which presents the commitment of the 193 member countries in terms of cybersecurity.
ANACOM approves final report on the proposal submission and analysis phase, and the award phase, of the tender for the performance of a study on the extension of the offer of DTT programme services; the tender was awarded to Leadership Business Consulting.
Publication (12 July), of Notice no. 7859/2017 on ANACOM's Recommendation to entities which own or manage infrastructure suitable for carrying electronic communications networks where there is a dispute over ownership.
ANACOM decides to maintain the prices (maximum) of circuits between Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira (CAM circuits) and between various islands of the Azores (inter-island circuits) within the framework of the Leased Lines Reference Offer (LLRO) and the Reference Ethernet Leased Lines Offer (RELLO), until the next annual review of these prices.
Publication, on 5 July, of Recommendation no. 143/2017 of Assembleia da República (Assembly of the Republic), which recommends that the Government block access to Internet sites and digital applications which are potentially harmful or inappropriate for minors.
ANACOM publishes a study on "The costs of switching providers of jointly-billed electronic communications services".
ANACOM publishes studies on "The needs of users as regards access to postal establishments and other access points to the postal network" and "Needs of consumers of postal services".
The digital platform (www.livroreclamacoes.pt https://www.livroreclamacoes.pt/inicio) was made available following the entry into force, on 01 July, of Decree-Law no. 74/2017 of 21 June, allowing the submission of complaints and requests for information by electronic means and information consultation, with the aim of promoting faster and more efficient handling of requests.

June

Publication (30 June) of Administrative Rule no. 201-A/2017, which approves the model, publication, pricing, supply and distribution of complaints books, in physical and electronic formats, and establishes the functionalities of the digital platform on which the electronic form of the complaints book is made available.
ANACOM approves provisional and urgent measures concerning suspension of entry into force of amendments to the Reference Duct Access Offer (RDAO) and the Reference Poles Access Offer (RPAO) introduced by MEO on 16 and 30 May 2017 respectively, effective 6 July 2017 (inclusive).
ANACOM approves the cost of the capital rate of MEO for 2017 (9.0651%).
ANACOM approves decision on Recommendation aimed at entities with infrastructure suitable for carrying electronic communications networks.
ANACOM decides not to adopt provisional measures sought by Vodafone Portugal due to conflict over infrastructure suitable for carrying communications networks.
Publication on 29 June of Rectification Statement no. 430/2017, which rectifies the Regulation on the provision of information of a statistical nature.
EC and INEA launch a new call for proposals for the concession of support in the framework of the "Connecting Europe Facility".
ANACOM approves annual report on net neutrality (period between 30 April 2016 and 30 April 2017).
ANACOM approves 2016 report and accounts of the electronic communications universal service compensation fund.
ANACOM launches consultation on draft regulation amending Regulation no. 58/2005 of 18 August (Portability Regulation).
ANACOM approves amendment and reissue of the right of use of frequencies allocated to MEO for DTT services - Multiplexer A (MUX A).
ANACOM makes report available on administrative costs and proceeds from the collection of fees (financial year 2016).
Following a request from the Government, ANACOM approves the launch of a public consultation on the revision of the conditions governing provision of the universal electronic communications service in its various components.
ANACOM approves methodology for evaluating the performance of mobile services and GSM, UMTS and LTE coverage.
Publication on 21 June of Decree-Law no. 74/2017, which implements SIMPLEX+ 2016 measures regarding the online complaints book, the yellow complaints book and the evaluated public attendance service.
ANACOM orders the opening of a new "257" code for identification of the geographical area of Braga for provision of publicly available telephone service at a fixed location.
ANACOM launches information campaign on international roaming, with the aim of disseminating new rules with entry into force on 15 June.
Publication on 9 June of Decree-Law no. 57/2017, which establishes the regime governing the making available on the market, putting into service and use of radio equipment, transposing Directive 2014/53/EU.
ANACOM orders CTT to review proposed objectives and rules governing postal network density and minimum offers of services for the period from 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2020.
ANACOM publishes a study on "The needs of users as regards access to postal establishments and other access points to the postal network".
ANACOM publishes study "Needs of consumers of postal services".
ANACOM launches consultation on draft regulation amending Regulation no. 58/2005 of 18 August (Portability Regulation), which establishes the principles and rules governing portability on public communications networks.
ANACOM announces commencement of the regulatory procedure regarding the requirements to be observed by the providers of communications services in their procedures for handling complaints from consumers and other end-users.
BEREC launches public consultations on BEREC's medium-term strategy for 2018-2020, Internet protocol interconnection practices in the context of Net Neutrality and BEREC's regulatory methodology for quality of service assessment for the implementation of Net Neutrality provisions.

May

European Political Strategy Centre disseminates strategy on cybersecurity and the building of an effective European cyber shield.
Publication on 25 May of Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the European Union.
BEREC publishes technical documents on the revision of the regulatory framework.
ANACOM approves the report on the results of the monitoring carried out on the quality levels offered by CTT in the year 2015.
Regulation (EU) 2017/920 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2012 amending Regulation (EU) no. 531/2012 on the rules applicable to wholesale roaming markets.
Publication on 16 May of Regulation no. 255/2017 on the provision of information of a statistical nature.
EC publishes annual report on digital progress in Europe.
EC publishes mid-term review of the Digital Single Market Strategy.
Publication on 10 May of Administrative Rule no. 157/2017, which amends the fees due to ANACOM.
EC and INEA launch calls for proposals with a view to the granting of support to projects in the field of trans-European telecommunications networks for 2014-2020 in the context of the "Connecting Europe Facility".
Publication on 2 May of Law no. 12/2017, which enacts the first amendment to the Framework Law of Regulatory Bodies.

April

Publication on 21 April, of Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira no. 11/2017/M, which establishes the integration of RTP-Madeira and RTP-Açores into national DTT programming grids.
UPU publishes the Integrated Index for Postal Development which presents an overview of postal development worldwide.
ANACOM approves decision allowing the possibility of amending the agreement for the distribution of the 588 parishes potentially lacking mobile broadband whose coverage was imposed as part of the process to renew the rights of use of frequencies in the 2100 MHz band.
ANACOM approves disclosure by CTT of information on letter-boxes.

March

ANACOM promotes widespread dissemination of new rules governing the use of stations of the personal radio service - citizen's band.
EC adopts Communication on the European Interoperability Framework.
ANACOM approves final decision on its analysis of the markets for wholesale local access provided at a fixed location (market 3a) and for wholesale central access at a fixed location for mass-market products (market 3b).
ANACOM considers that the proposed pricing of the services comprising the universal service, as presented by CTT, complies with the principles and criteria which govern pricing of postal services that make up the universal service.
ANACOM determines prior hearing of four operators on the adoption of corrective measures regarding contractual amendments.
ANACOM updates the maximum prices for the termination of voice calls on fixed and mobile networks.
EC launches study on the state of national broadband plans in the 28 EU Member States.
EC announces the results of the public consultation on next generation Internet.
ANACOM approves the methodology and assumptions for verification of additional obligations in the 2100 MHz band entailing coverage of 588 parishes as potentially lack mobile broadband (obligations imposed on NOS, MEO and Vodafone).
Publication, on 10 March, of Notice no. 2477/2017 on the suspension of the effects of Regulation 829/2016 of 23 August.
Publication on 9 March of Decree-Law no. 26/2017, enacting the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 251-A/2015 of 17 December, which approves the Organic Law of the XXI Constitutional Government.
ANACOM approves lifting of the obligation to register users of citizen's band stations, and updates NTFA accordingly.
EC launches call for proposals under the "Connecting Europe Facility".
ANACOM approves formula for calculating the annual value of quality indicators for the universal postal service provided by CTT in 2016.

February

ANACOM announces commencement of procedure to amend the Regulation on pre-contractual and contractual information.
ANACOM approves review of relevant revenues (2014), the revision of the t2 contribution rate (2015) and the additional settlement of fees due by providers of publicly available electronic communications networks and services in respect of 2015.
Publication of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/179 laying down procedural arrangements necessary for the functioning of the Cooperation Group pursuant to Article 11(5) of Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union.
ANACOM releases a report on the use of over-the-top (OTT) services - instant messaging and voice and video calls over the Internet - in Portugal and the EU in 2016.
EC announces the results of public consultation on fixed and mobile termination rates.
OECD releases broadband data for June 2016.
ANACOM announces results of its Survey on the use of postal services (conducted November 2016).
ANACOM publishes a series of consumer information guides on electronic communications services on its Consumers' Website.
ANACOM announces commencement of procedure to draw up a Regulation on the registration of postal service providers.
ANACOM announces commencement of procedure to draw up a Regulation on the registration of companies offering electronic communications networks and services.
ANACOM approves decision on undertakings obliged to contribute to the fund and the value of contributions payable in respect of the net costs of universal service (2012-2013 and 2015).

January

ANACOM carried out more than 7,800 enforcement actions in 2016.
Fines imposed by ANACOM totalled around one million euros in 2016.
ANACOM makes available an updated version of the electronic form to request access to the CIS.
EC launches public consultation to gather opinions on the performance of ENISA.
EC launches public consultation on the construction of a European data economy, based on the "Building the European Data Economy" package.
EC proposes new Regulation on the protection of personal data processed by EU institutions and bodies.
Release of European Parliament report "European Leadership in 5G" examining, in particular, the 5G concept and its framework in the future telecommunications scenario.
Publication of Law no. 2/2017 on 16 January, clarifying provisions on performance of studies on the future development of DTT.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the draft regulation on the security and integrity of electronic communications networks and services.
ANACOM reports that the DTT signal presented values of service availability close to 100% and a high level of service stability in 2016.
Publication on 5 January, of Decree-Law no. 1/2017, lifting the requirement for Government approval of postage stamps and the obligation to register users of the personal radio service - citizen's band.