Portugal's competition authority (AdC) has challenged the telecoms regulator ANACOM's plan to renew the mobile spectrum licences of the three established operators, MEO, NOS and Vodafone, which expire in 2027.
The renewal plan
On 2 July 2026 ANACOM consulted on a draft decision to renew spectrum rights (DUER) held by the three operators in the 800, 900, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands. According to the AdC, these rights account for about 39% of the spectrum held by the three operators. Most expire on 9 March 2027, with part of NOS's 900 MHz and 1800 MHz rights expiring on 20 November 2027.
ANACOM's proposal would renew the rights to dates such as 2033 and 2041/2042, with coverage obligations.
The AdC's objections
In comments dated 9 October and reported by Jornal Económico on 22 October, the AdC argues that renewing all the rights would limit the room for Digi, which entered the Portuguese market at the end of 2024, to expand, and would deter new entrants. It points to a significant imbalance between Digi's spectrum holdings and those of the three incumbents.
The AdC recommends that ANACOM:
- reconsider renewal in the 800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands so that spectrum can be awarded competitively;
- renew the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz rights only until 2033, rather than 2041 as proposed, so that more spectrum becomes contestable at the same time;
- set the conditions for any future award in advance.
The AdC also warns that refusing to renew all the 2027 rights at once could disrupt services, so it is not asking for a full re-auction.
The fee question
The AdC notes that ANACOM has sent the government a legislative proposal to set the renewal fee. That proposal is based on ANACOM's estimate of the private value of the spectrum to the operators.
Why it matters financially
- Value at stake: ANACOM estimated the private value to the operators of the spectrum covered by the renewal at around €550 million, according to the AdC's comments. This figure is proposed as the benchmark for the renewal fee.
- Share of holdings: the expiring rights cover about 39% of MEO's, NOS's and Vodafone's combined spectrum.
- If ANACOM follows the AdC, part of this spectrum could go to auction, giving Digi a chance to bid and changing the incumbents' costs and network plans.