Press 5G: PSD MEPs ask Brussels for clarification on auction competitiveness

News | 23-10-2020 in Jornal Económico

After complaints from the main telecommunications operators of discriminatory practices and a hostile environment on the part of the regulator, PSD MPs in the European Parliament asked for clarification as to what the European Commission intends to do.

João Barros

The PSD group in the European Parliament asked the European Commission in writing about the competitiveness and loyalty in 5G auctions, according to a statement from the party's parliamentary bench in Europe.

“We are concerned with the news that comes to us from Portugal”, explains MEP Maria da Graça Carvalho. “They can hurt investment and competition. 5G is fundamental for the future of Portugal and, in particular, for the interior and rural areas ”, she added.

The request of the Social Democrats is related to the criticisms left by the telecommunications operators in competition with the sector's regulatory authority, the National Communications Authority (ANACOM), which they accuse of “significant and unjustified discrimination against long-standing operators”.

It is recalled that the three main operators in Portugal, NOS, Altice and Vodafone, expressed their opposition to the entry of new competitors to the tender, classifying the auction rules as “illegal” and the regulatory environment in which it takes place as “ hostile and adverse ”. The companies in question disagree with the 25% discount given to new entrants to the market, also arguing that they will benefit from networks already developed by other entities.

In view of this situation, the European Commission had already asked for clarification regarding the process of granting 5G licenses, since the discount can be considered as State aid to certain companies to the detriment of others, which needs approval from Brussels.

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