Portugal’s main telcos sign up for 5G auction amid legal dispute

LISBON: Portugal’s three biggest telecoms companies said they had submitted applications to take part in the country’s 5G licence auction amid a legal dispute with the Portuguese telecoms regulator over the rules.

NOS, Vodafone and Altice – which together serve nearly 100% of Portugal’s mobile customers – all said they filed their applications for the auction on November 27.

ANACOM has reserved a portion of the spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1,800 Mhz bands for new entrants, as a push to encourage competition and improve services.

Altice, Vodafone and NOS will have to share their infrastructure and offer national roaming to the new entrants’ customers.

About 15 days ago, the three established players filed precautionary injunctions in a Lisbon court against the rules, which they claim unfairly favour new entrants. They also sent complaints to the European Commission.