Chronology of Communications 2019

December 2019

ANACOM approves decision on NOS requests for allocation of frequencies in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands.
ANACOM approves final decision on the designation of the 700 MHz band for terrestrial electronic communications services, concerning the limitation of the number of frequency user rights to be allocated in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2,1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands and the definition of this allocation procedure.
ANACOM approves final decision on the alteration of the right of use of frequencies held by Dense Air Portugal and future use of the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band.
ANACOM approves the timeline for disclosure of statistical information and publications in 2020.
ANACOM approves draft regulation on the methodology to be used to determine the value of remuneration payable by electronic communications companies in exchange for access to and use of infrastructure suitable for accommodating electronic communications networks.
ANACOM approves the Multi-Annual Activities Plan 2020-2022, including the budget for 2020.
PNN - ANACOM open new identification code of the geographic area for Braga “257”.
European Council of Ministers of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy takes stand on the importance of 5G networks for the European economy and the need to mitigate the security challenges associated to this technology.

November 2019

Published, on 29 November, Rectification Declaration 936/2019 which rectifies Regulation 697/2019 relative to access to the pursuit of space activities, published on 5 September.
ANACOM approves final decision on the definition of the maximum retail prices for calls to "707" and "708" (universal access services) and "808" and "809" (shared cost calls) numbering ranges.
Published, on 28 November, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2116, setting the weighted average of maximum mobile termination rates across the Union and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1979.
ANACOM approves final decision on the review of the reference speeds associated to the coverage requirements in the 800 MHz frequency band, in 160 parishes in which each operator (MEO, NOS and Vodafone) has mobile broadband coverage obligations (involving a total of 480 parishes).
ANACOM launches, at the Government's request, public consultation on the terms and conditions that should be associated to the provision of the universal postal service.
ANACOM promotes public hearing for preparation of draft legislation for transposition of the review of the European regulatory framework applicable to electronic communications.
World Radiocommunications Conference of 2019 (WRC-19) of the ITU closes with the approval of 970 documents involving 5811 specific proposals related to various items on the agenda, covering practically all radiocommunications services and applications. Highlighting of topics related to satellites and identification of new bands for mobile communications services, namely for 5G of strategic importance to Europe and Portugal.
ANACOM promotes roadshow in the area covered by the Odivelas Centro broadcaster to warn, inform and clarify the population about the pilot test for migration of the DTT, on 27 November, which covers the entire municipality of Odivelas; the parishes of Lumiar, Carnide and Santa Clara, in Lisbon; and Encosta do Sol, in Amadora.
ANACOM provides a free support line 800 102 002 to support the population in the DTT network migration process.
ANACOM approves the issue of the invoicing of the annual fee of 2019 payable for pursuit of the activity of provider of postal services, establishing 0.2489% as the t2 percentage contribution applicable to the relevant income of postal service operators.
ANACOM approves the issue of the invoicing of the annual fee of 2019 payable for pursuit of the activity of provider of electronic communications network and services, establishing 0.7851% as the t2 percentage contribution applicable to the relevant income of electronic communications network and service providers.
ANACOM commemorates 30 years of activity with the launch of a stamp issue dedicated to postal services and telecommunications, and a video that marks the 30 most relevant moments of its history.
Published, on 6 November, the Commission Communication (2019/C 375/01) relative to the calculation of the cost of capital for pre-existing infrastructures in the context of the analysis of national notifications by the Commission in the electronic communications sector of the EU.

October 2019

ANACOM sends opinion at the request of the Competition Authority, under the concentration operation related to the acquisition by Cofina of exclusive control over the Media Capital Group, in which it clarifies that the operation in question does not raise relevant competition issues in the electronic communications markets.
ANACOM approves the final decision on the dispute between Fibroglobal, Infraestruturas de Portugal and IP Telecom on the application of the pricing of access to technical road channel infrastructures and services.
WiFi4EU – CE attributes vouchers to 47 Portuguese municipal councils in the third phase of candidatures.
ANACOM launches public consultation on NOS requests for allocation of frequencies in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the alteration of the right of use of frequencies held by Dense Air Portugal and future use of the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the designation of the 700 MHz band for terrestrial electronic communications services, on the limitation of the number of frequency user rights to be allocated in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2,1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands and the definition of this allocation procedure.
ANACOM approves the commencement of procedures to prepare a regulation on the conditions applicable to the sub-allocation of E.164 resources of the national numbering plan.
ANACOM inaugurates new centre for spectrum monitoring and control at its Porto facilities.
ANACOM launches public consultation on the reduction of the maximum prices of the circuits between the Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira (CAM circuits) by 10% and of the circuits between the different islands of the Azores (inter-island circuits) by 4%.
ANACOM approves the plan to develop the migration of the DTT network with a view releasing the 700 MHz band and its time frame to be followed by MEO.
NACOM approves the value of 7.4021% for MEO's cost of capital rate applicable to the financial year of 2019.

September

WiFi4EU – EC launches the 3rd phase of applications for this initiative from 19 to 20 September, which provides for the allocation of 1,780 vouchers across European municipalities, having a total value of 26.7 million euros (each being worth 15 thousand euros).
ANACOM approves final decision on amendments to the reference conduit access offer (RCAO) and the reference pole access offer (RPAO).
ANACOM publishes clarification regarding the release of 5G bands.
Published on 11 September, Resolution of the Assembly of the Republic 174/2019, which recommends to the Government the inclusion of RTP-Madeira and RTP-Açores in the national DTT grid.
Published, on 11 September, amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1263, of 20 September 2018, establishing the forms for the provision of information by parcel delivery service providers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/644 of the European Parliament and of the Council (page 67, Annex I).
Published, on 05 September, Administrative Rule 587/2019, which defines the conditions for granting compensation to licence holders to cover, in whole or in part, burdens demonstrably incurred with the change of assignment of radio frequencies.
Published, on 05 September, Regulation 697/2019 on the regime of access and exercise of space activities.

August

BEREC releases the video “How BEREC works?” which illustrates the corresponding terms of reference, activity and decision-making process.
ANACOM approves final decision on the CTT proposal that complements postal network density and minimum service offer objectives.
Published, on 22 August, Resolution 891/2019 on the delegation of powers to operate bank accounts on behalf of the universal electronic communications service compensation fund.
ANACOM begins consultations on changes to the DTT network to release the 700 MHz band, necessary for the development of 5G.
Published, on 16 August, Law 63/2019, which subjects consumer disputes of low economic value, at the consumer’s discretion, to the necessary arbitration or mediation, and requires notification of the possibility of representation by a lawyer or solicitor in these conflicts, making the fifth amendment to Law 24/96, of 31 July.
Published, on 12 August, Order 7145/2019, which stipulates that ANACOM should ensure the function of National Broadband Competence Office, within the European Broadband Competence Offices Network.
ANACOM begins public consultation on the multi-annual activity plan for the three-year period 2020-2022.
Published, on 8 August, Law 58/2019, which ensures the implementation, under the national legal system, of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the Parliament and of the Council, of 27 April 2016, on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data.
Published, on 06 August, Resolution 847/2019 concerning the delegation of powers to operate bank accounts on behalf of ANACOM.
Published, on 02 August, Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1345, which amends Decision 2006/771/EC and updates the harmonised technical conditions for the use of the short-range radio spectrum.
ANACOM and the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) carry out the first tests on the main subsystems of the ISTsat-1 nanosatellite, in the areas of radio and electromagnetic compatibility testing of the ANACOM Testing and Calibration Laboratory, within the context of the project to develop the first nanosatellite by a Portuguese university.
Published, on 01 August, Order 6871/2019, which stipulates that the overall amount of the fixed component of funding to be allocated by the State, through the Directorate-General for Justice Policy (DGPJ), for the second half of 2019 is 184,708.34 euros, to be distributed monthly by the arbitration centres that form part of the consumer arbitration network.

July

Published, on 31 July, Law 52/2019, which approves the regime of the exercise of functions by holders of political positions and high public office.
ANACOM begins public consultation on the amendments to the Reference Conduit Access Offer (RCAO) and the Reference Pole Access Offer (RPAO) not included in the draft decision of 25 July 2019.
Published, on 26 July, Resolution of the Assembly of the Republic 118/2019, which recommends that the Government should adopt measures to guarantee the modernisation and public control of the State emergency communications network.
ANACOM approves the calculation of the amount of costs of regulation of the activity of postal service provider with respect to the fees to be settled in 2019, in an amount of 2,190,937 euros.
ANACOM approves the calculation of the amount of costs of regulation of the activity of electronic communications network and services provider with respect to the fees to be settled in 2019, in an amount of 32,706,901 euros.
ANACOM approves the determination to correct the information disclosed by CTT regarding the obligations provided for in the regime applicable to the complaints book, namely regarding the existence and availability of the complaints book at post offices.
ANACOM begins public consultation on the draft ITED Manual (4th edition) and ITUR Manual (3rd edition).
ANACOM signs protocols with seven consumer dispute arbitration centres to make alternative dispute resolution between consumers and communications operators more effective.
ANACOM approves, as space authority, a regulation on the regime of access and exercise of space activities, which guarantees the optimisation of resources and simplified, rapid and efficient space activity procedures, while at the same time placing high demands in relation to the safeguarding of the interests of safety, damage prevention and reducing the environmental impact of those activities.
ANACOM upholds CTT’s request for deduction of registers of mailings of standard mail, standard parcels and newspapers and periodicals published more than weekly, from 22 to 25 March 2019 (inclusive), and of blue (priority) mail, registered mail and newspapers and periodicals published weekly or less than weekly, on 25 March, directly affected by air traffic interruptions at Funchal airport, for the purpose of calculating the values of quality of service indicators in 2019.
ERGP begins public consultation on the medium-term strategy for 2020-2022 and the work programme for 2020.
ANACOM approves the final decision on the universal service quality indicator values achieved by CTT in 2018.
ANACOM begins public consultation on the revision of the postal network density targets and minimum service offers.
ANACOM, in collaboration with VISÃO and the Portuguese Centre for Photography, presents prizes and opens an exhibition of the winning photographs in the national photography contest “Communicate, connect, unite”, launched as part of the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of the Authority.
ANACOM releases a video on roaming rules.
ANACOM begins public consultation MEO’s cost of capital rate applicable to the 2019 financial year.
Published, on 05 July, Administrative Rule 210/2019, which sets out the allocation of ANACOM’s 2015 surplus.
ANACOM approves CTT’s cost of capital rate applicable to the 2019 financial year.
ANACOM begins public consultation on revision of the reference speeds associated with the coverage obligations within the 800-MHz frequency band.
ANACOM rejects CTT’s request for deduction of blue (priority) mail and registered mail shipment records, affected by the breakdown of a carrier vehicle on 23 January 2019, in the transport of priority mail from the Southern Production and Logistics Centre (CPL-S) to the Northern Production and Logistics Centre (CPL-N), for the purpose of calculating the quality of service indicator values in 2019.
EC begins public consultation aimed at canvassing the opinions of European citizens, industry, academia and the public sector on the “Connecting Europe Facility - Digital” programme for the period 2021-2027.

June

ANACOM approves decision on the assessment of unitary cross-border tariffs (2019), pursuant to Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2018/644, on cross-border parcel delivery services.
ANACOM approves final decision on the action resulting from the audit of the results of CTT’s cost accounting system for the year 2016, determining that it should proceed with the correct separation of expenses related to postal activity and banking activity within the commercial network (post offices), in order to bring them into line with the rules of the cost accounting system and send the reformulated data to this Authority.
ANACOM, as the space authority, begins public consultation on the draft regulation regarding the regime of access and exercise of space activities.
ANACOM begins public consultation on the definition of maximum retail prices for calls to “707” and “708” (universal access services) and “808” and “809” (shared cost call services) numbers, at the same time recommending that the numbering ranges concerned should not be made available for contact with consumers in the context of consumer legal relations.
Published, on 17 June, Decree-Law 81-A/2019, which proceeds with the institutional reorganisation of the Integrated System of Emergency and Security Networks of Portugal (ISESNP).
Published, on 04 June, Order 5723/2019 of the Minister of Finance and the Assistant Secretary of State and Communications, appointing Vítor Almeida & Associados, SROC, Lda. as statutory auditor of ANACOM, and DFK & Associados, SROC, Lda. as an alternate.
Published, on 11 June, Commission Decision establishing the Radio Spectrum Policy Group and repealing Decision 2002/622/EC.
ANACOM approves the 2018 annual report of the of the universal electronic communications service compensation fund.
Published, on 05 June, Council of Ministers Resolution 92/2019 approving the National Cyberspace Security Strategy 2019-2023.

May

ANACOM approves the start of the procedure for the drafting of rules aimed at the creation of a specific range in the national numbering plan for machine-to-machine (M2M) services, as well as the definition of the respective conditions of allocation and use.
Entry into force, on 25 May, of ANACOM’s measures requiring telecommunications operators to make available to subscribers who so request, free of charge, a bill that includes the minimum detail and the information defined by this Authority, whatever the media and means used (paper or electronic).
ANACOM decides not to oppose the price proposal for 2019 of the universal postal service communicated by CTT.
Entry into force, on 15 May, of the new European rules setting limits on retail prices billed to consumers for regulated intra-EU communications. The new rules apply to international communications (voice - fixed and mobile - and SMS) that originate in one Member State and terminate in a number in another Member State, and which are fully or partially billed on the basis of actual consumption.
Published, on 14 May, Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 concerning the harmonisation of the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services within the Union.
Published, on 14 May, Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/785 concerning the harmonisation of the radio spectrum for equipment using ultra-wideband technology in the Union and repealing Decision 2007/131/EC.
EC adopts Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 on the harmonisation of the 24.25-27.5 GHz (or 26 GHz) frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing broadband wireless electronic communications services within the European Union, which represents an important step towards the deployment of 5G across Europe.
ANACOM launches video on the portability validation code, which facilitates the process of changing operator with number portability.
ANACOM approves a value of 8.0660% for MEO’s cost of capital rate for 2018.

April

Published, on 30 April, Order 4421/2019, of the Secretaries of State for Justice and Consumer Protection, approving the creation of a working group on alternative consumer dispute resolution.
In partnership with the Office of Strategy and Studies, ANACOM launches an award aimed at promoting the preparation of scientific articles on economic public policy and the regulation of competition in the area of telecommunications and digitisation in the economy.
ANACOM approves the analysis and decision on the CTT proposal to complement postal network density targets and minimum services offer in force, as well as an analysis and decision on prior disclosure by CTT, users and ANACOM of information regarding the closure or reduction of opening hours of postal establishments (post offices and agencies).
EC publishes the public list of unit tariffs applicable, on 01 January 2019, to postal items falling within the categories listed in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/644 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 18 April 2018.
Published, on 15 April, Administrative Rule 113/2019, which sets out the allocation of ANACOM’s 2017 surplus, as amended on 17 April by Rectification Statement 18/2019.
ANACOM approves an update of the maximum termination price of calls on public telephone networks at a fixed location to be applied by notified fixed operators with significant market power, stating that, with effect from 01 October 2019, the maximum termination price shall be 0.047 euro cents per minute, with billing per second from the first second.
ANACOM approves update of the maximum termination price of mobile voice calls to be applied by notified mobile operators with significant market power, stating that, with effect from 01 July 2019, the maximum termination price shall be 0.40 euro cents per minute, with billing per second from the first second.
ANACOM approves the conditions and specifications of the universal service provision for (i) connection to a public communications network at a fixed location and provision of a publicly available telephone service through that connection and (ii) provision of public payphones. At the same time, recommendations to the Government were approved regarding the process of designating the universal electronic communications service provider(s).
WiFi4EU – EC launches the 2nd phase of applications for this initiative, from 04 to 05 April, in which 3,400 vouchers were allocated by European municipalities, having a total value of 51 million euros (each being worth 15 thousand euros).
ANACOM approves the value of 10.1845% for CTT’s cost of capital rate in relation to the 2018 financial year.
ANACOM approves the beginning of the procedure for the elaboration of a regulation for access and exercise of space activities.
In partnership with VISÃO, ANACOM launches a national photography contest on the theme “Communicate, connect, unite”. Under the auspices of the commemorations of the 30th anniversary of this Authority, the theme of this competition aims to underline the role of communications (electronic or postal) in the strengthening of interpersonal relationships and/or those with nature and the environment.
Published, on 01 April, Regulation 303/2019 on the security and integrity of electronic communications networks and services.

March

Published, on 28 March, Order 3458/2019, of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of State for Civil Protection and Communications, which approves the creation of the Working Group to present technological solutions for emergency communications in Portugal, with effect from 01 July 2021.
ANACOM approves deduction of records of CTT shipments to and from the Azores affected by Storm Diana for the purposes of calculating the November 2018 quality of service indicators.
Published, on 26 March, Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/534 on the cybersecurity of 5G networks.
BEREC begins public consultation to gather input for the preparation of the 2020 work programme.
ANACOM launches video on the use of the complaints book.
ANACOM approves Regulation on the security and integrity of electronic communications networks and services.
Published, on 13 March, Resolution of the Council of Ministers 55/2019, which determines the creation of the Portuguese Space Agency, called Portugal Space.
BEREC publishes guidelines for intra-EU communications aimed at clarifying the rules on intra-EU communications, in accordance with Article 50 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1971.
ANACOM approves revision of prices of circuits connecting the Mainland and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira (CAM circuits) and the prices of circuits connecting various islands of the Azores (inter-island circuits), supported by subsea cables owned by MEO, within the scope of the LLRO and the ELLRO.

February

Published, on 20 February, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/296, amending certain language versions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2286, which lays down detailed rules on the implementation of the responsible use policy on the methodology for assessing the sustainability of the abolition of roaming surcharges at retail level and the request to be presented by roaming service providers for the purpose of that assessment.
ERGP begins public consultation on the medium-term strategy for the three-year period 2020-2022 and the 2020 work programme.
ANACOM approves guidelines for the establishment of partnerships with external entities aimed at the co-production of useful knowledge of public value, namely works in the field of applied scientific research or specialised studies in the fields of law, economics, management, information and engineering, with application in the fields of intervention of this Authority.
Published, on 12 February, Law 14/2019, which modifies the functioning and framework of consumer private arrangement entities, proceeding with the second amendment to Law 144/2015, of 08 September.
ANACOM publishes clarification regarding complaints about CTT received in 2018.
ANACOM begins public consultation on MEO’s cost of capital rate applicable for the 2018 financial year.
ANACOM launches public consultation on CTT's cost of capital rate applicable for the 2018 financial year.

January

ANACOM proposes to the Government a decrease in the value of spectrum rates, particularly in areas of the national territory that can and should especially benefit from improvements in the resilience and redundancy of electronic communications infrastructures through the use of radio connections, as they are particularly susceptible in case of fire or other natural disaster.
ANACOM temporarily assumes the duties and attributions of the Portuguese Space Authority, as determined by Decree-Law 16/2019, published on 22 January 2019.
Published, on 24 January, Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/235, amending Decision 2008/411/EC as regards the updating of certain technical conditions applicable to the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band.
Published, on 22 January, Decree-Law 16/2019, which establishes the regime of access and exercise of space activities.
Published, on 21 January, Decree-Law 14/2019, which clarifies the constraints on building under the National System for Protection against Forest Fires.
Published, on 21 January, Regulation 85/2019, amending Regulation 257/2018, of 08 May, which establishes the principles and rules applicable to portability in public communications networks (Portability Regulation).
Published, on 21 January, Resolution of the Council of Ministers 12/2019 approving the vision, objectives and implementation measures of the Integrated Rural Fire Management System.
ANACOM approves decision on the identification of the entities obliged to contribute to the universal electronic communications service compensation fund and on the determination of the value of the contributions related to the net costs of the universal service to be compensated, in relation to 2017.
ANACOM decides not to uphold CTT's complaint regarding the decision of this Authority, of 12 July 2018, which established the criteria for price formation of the universal postal service for the period 2018-2020.
Published, on 11 January, Decree-Law 2/2019, which establishes the National Risk Monitoring and Communication, Special Alert and Population Warning System.
ANACOM approves the Regulation amending Regulation 257/2018, of 08 May, which establishes the principles and rules applicable to portability in public communications networks (Portability Regulation).
ANACOM begins public consultation on the revision of the postal network density targets and minimum service offerings.
EC develops a web-based application for use by intra-EU parcel delivery service providers, which are subject to the annual reporting obligation on the public list of tariffs set out in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/644 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 18 April.
ERGP begins public consultation on the report “Developments in the postal sector and implications for regulation”.
ANACOM takes over the presidency of ERGP on 01 January.