ICP-ANACOM compiles information on the retail prices of portability (prices charged to subscribers for the operation of portability) on a six-monthly basis, based on data obtained from companies providing the MTS, including virtual mobile network operators (MVNO), from companies providing the FTS and providers of nomadic use VoIP services.
According to the information received, at the end of 2012, MTS portability continued to be an operation that was free-of-charge to end-users, in line with 2011.
As far as the FTS is concerned, at the end of 2012 and in the case of new residential customers, just one of thirteen providers systematically charged for portability operations. However between the end of 2011 and the end of 2012, this company reduced the prices charged for portability from 40.54 euros to 12.20 euros (excluding VAT) - a reduction of approximately 70%. Another provider also charged a fee for portability operations under one of its residential sector tariffs, but may have waived this fee depending on campaigns or promotions in force.
In the FTS enterprise market, only four providers were charging new customers a fee for number portability operations at the end of 2012 - in the case of one of these providers, portability was sometimes provided free, depending on the campaigns or promotions in force. In the case of another provider, the charge associated with portability has been offered to customers as a credit on subsequent bills. The highest price charged for portability in the case of enterprise users was reported at 16.26 euros (excluding VAT) as at the end of 2012.
In the case of nomadic VoIP numbering, as at the end of the second half of 2012, only one of the four providers operating in the residential segment charged residential end-users for portability operations (4.59 euros - excluding VAT). In the enterprise segment portability was provided free by 4 of the 8 providers, with the highest price charged reported at 15 euros (excluding VAT).
In terms of wholesale prices, information compiled from providers, as at the end of the second half of 2012, indicates values that do not exceed the limits defined in RIO, and therefore, values are in compliance with the Portability Regulation.
Meanwhile, a new addendum was made to the contract governing provision of portability services concluded between ICP-ANACOM, the reference entity and providers with portability obligations, signed on 15 November 2012. With this addendum, the prices paid by providers for these services were reduced, particularly for new providers, which, with the technological trend towards IP networks, may be small in size, but by competing in the market for telephone services, are also subject to portability requirements.
