Adpc Congress 2016: Looking for better regulation. Portuguese Universal Service and OTT are an example

 

SETÚBAL - In some cases due to the "fault" of the European executive, in other cases due to responsibilities attributed to Anacom, there are several criticisms pointed to the rules that govern the telecommunications (NOS, PT Portugal and Vodafone Portugal) market in Portugal. Competition from so-called OTT services is welcomed by all operators, who agree that there has been a positive regulatory effort, but the existing rules are still not enough to guarantee "equality of arms on the ground and in the sector".

This is the opinion of Sónia Machado, from the PT Portugal Group, but also Madalena Sutcliffe, from Vodafone, who adds that she considers that there is an effort in the new EC proposals to achieve a level playing field, but "below what is desirable". Filipa Carvalho, from NOS, talks about there still being a lot to do in this matter. "We do not compete equally," he stressed during the panel discussion.

The Universal Service is another issue that concerns operators in Portugal, in terms of regulation. An issue that has no chance of being resolved outside the courts, says Filipa Carvalho. In the opinion of the Legal and Regulation Director of Nos, what is discussed is the past, of not having defined the rules and not having had a public tender to assign service, but the proposal to make the State finance the offer of the Universal Service deserves reflection. "It was beneficial for the sector", but it should be discussed what should be put into the Universal Service, "what makes sense and who finances it (...) and what is already being supplied".

Sónia Machado stresses that the sector is traditionally very burdened, with increasing decreases in revenues. "There has to be a balance to ensure the return."

João Confraria admitted that it is necessary to learn from the mistakes of the past, such as haste, inadequate management and the simplistic view of the Universal Service and assured that Anacom is attentive to the issue.

Access to next-generation networks is another issue on the table in terms of regulation. And it "worries a lot" Vodafone Portugal, which hopes that Anacom will change its position. "Anacom admits a structural flaw, but still does not impose regulation on the fibre", argues Madalena Sutcliffe. The official also assured that Vodafone is available for co-investment solutions.

Adpc. holds the official communication partnerships PT Portugal, NOS, Vodafone, RTP, Media Capital, HP, Anacom and other providers of communication companies, which in 2015 was worth 33.99 million euros.