Portugal

[PT] Four Licenses for Third Generation Mobile Phones

IRIS 2000-9:1/28

Helena Sousa

Communication and Society Research Centre, University of Minho

On 29 September 2000, seven companies (TMN, Optimus, Oniway, Telecel, Leadcom, Titancon and Mobijazz) applied for four UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) licenses. The Comissão de Análise do Concurso (bidding commission) has 45 days to analyse the proposals and the commercial offer of third generation mobile telecommunications is expected to start early 2002.

UMTS is the European version of IMT 2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications) and it represents important technological advances when compared with second generation mobile systems (GSM and DCS) and first generation mobile telecommunications (analogue technology).

UMTS will provide all multi-media services that are now available by fixed internet and a range of new ones deriving from its mobile character. A considerable number of audiovisual services such as tele-education, tele-medicine, video-conferencing, entertainment and news are also expected to be on offer. The Instituto das Comunicações de Portugal (Portuguese Communications regulatory body) states that the main criterion for a successful application is its contribution to the development of an Information Society.


References

  • Nota de Imprensa, ICP Lança Concurso para Atribuição de Licenças em UMTS, 27.12.1999
  • http://www.icp.pt/umts/press/press_01.html
  • The Portuguese Communications Regulatory body opens up the bidding process for UMTS licences, press release of 27 December 1999

  • Nota de imprensa, Terceira geração móvel, Concurso Público aberto hoje, 01.08.2000
  • http://www.icp.pt/umts/press/press_03.html
  • Third generation mobile system, The bidding process is open, press release of 1 August 2000

  • Nota de imprensa, UMTS Terceira geração móvel, Candidaturas ao concurso aceites pela Comissão de análise, 03.10.2000
  • http://www.icp.pt/press/not257.html
  • UMTS - Third generation mobile system, Applications accepted by the Analysis Commission, press release of 3 October 2000

This article has been published in IRIS Legal Observations of the European Audiovisual Observatory.