Portugal's National Communications Authority (Anacom) has recommended ending the universal telephony service. Over the past five years, the universal service has cost EUR 23.8 million, a cost indirectly borne by all consumers that cannot be justified given the low usage of the universal services, the regulator said.
According to Anacom, this amount could be applied in a different way, namely to satisfy in an effective and at lower cost essential needs, to invest in the development of telecommunications, for example in the provision of the internet to the whole population, and to reduce the prices of communications. The regulator noted further that fixed and mobile networks and retail services are already widely available, and several other European countries have also abandoned universal service contracts.
The announcement confirms Anacom's earlier recommendation that the universal service be ended. It will be up to the government to decide whether to introduce the necessary legislation. Nos is the current provider of the universal service and has rejected any renegotiation of its current contract.