Portugal telecommunications spectrum dispute

A regulatory conflict has emerged in Portugal regarding the management and renewal of radio spectrum licenses. The Romanian telecommunications group DIGI has threatened to exit the Portuguese market, citing discriminatory conditions and regulatory barriers imposed by the national authority, ANACOM. DIGI claims these obstacles make long-term operations unsustainable, despite having invested over 700 million euros and employing 1,900 people in the country.

The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has supported DIGI, noting that current rules favor incumbent operators and hinder infrastructure expansion for new competitors. The AdC recommended adjusting licensing conditions to foster a fairer business environment.

In response to the potential withdrawal of DIGI, a public petition has gathered over 1,200 signatures calling for ANACOM to reconsider the automatic renewal of spectrum rights for incumbent operators MEO, NOS, and Vodafone. Proponents of the petition argue for competitive auctions in the 800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands to prevent costs to consumers estimated at up to 3.5 billion euros over 15 years. Conversely, the association representing the incumbents, Apritel, has warned that redistributing spectrum would cause “chaos” in telecommunications networks and create coverage gaps.