Controversy has soured relations between telecommunications operator Altice and regulating body ANACOM, with the former accusing the latter of delaying the 5G rollout to the point that Portugal is “at risk of missing the bus”.
ANACOM refutes the criticism – but it is fact that the ‘strategic plan’ due to be presented in Coimbra last week was delayed.
Final decisions now rest with the next government (to be elected on October 6).
Meantime, the technical press claims “various EU countries have concluded processes on the attribution of (radio) frequencies” – and some have even entered into contracts, while Portugal remains “far from” any kind of ‘final format’ to present to consumers and businesses.
There have been some demonstrations of the potential of 5G at summer festivals, but the country has not even solidified on discussions initiated two years ago to settle on Aveiro as the ‘first Portuguese town’ for a full 5G rollout.
The issue of 5G technology – and whether it really is the future that companies like Altice claim it to be – is one that Brussels has asked member states to research independently (click here).
