ANACOM has published frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the new rules, which enter into force on 15 May, regarding international communications - voice communications or messages which, when in Portugal, use the numbers of other countries or are sent from abroad.
From 15 May 2019, there are limits to the retail prices charged to consumers for “regulated intra-European Union (EU) communications”, i.e., international (voice - fixed and mobile - and SMS) communications which are charged wholly or partially based on actual consumption (e.g. per minute or per SMS) and which originate in one Member State and terminate in a fixed or mobile number of another Member State. These prices (excluding VAT) may not exceed 0.19 euros per minute for voice calls to fixed or mobile numbers and 0.06 euros per SMS message.
However, operators of regulated intra-EU communications services may also offer, for international communications, including regulated intra-EU communications, a tariff which does not meet the above limits. Consumers can explicitly accept the alternative tariff, but before they do so, they must be informed by operators about the type of advantages they will no longer benefit from.
If an alternative tariff exceeds the above limits, consumers who, within two months after 15 May 2019, have not confirmed or expressed a preference for this tariff, will automatically benefit from tariffs that comply with the aforementioned limits.
Consumers may switch from (or back to) a tariff according to the caps indicated, within one working day of receipt of the request by the provider, free of charge. The operator must ensure that such such switch does not entail any conditions or restrictions with regard to elements of the subscription other than regulated intra-EU communications.
These intra-EU regulated communications should not be confused with outgoing or incoming communications involving international roaming, which take place when you use your mobile device abroad. International roaming and international communications have different prices and are subject to different rules.
These rules on retail price limits for intra-EU communications (fixed and mobile calls and SMS) have been introduced by Regulation (EU) 2015/2120https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1373317, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1971https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1464946 and are intended to ensure that consumers are not charged excessive prices for such communications.
For information on the prices of international communications, you should check your contract and /or contact your operator.
Consult:
-
FAQ - International communicationshttps://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=408512
Further information:
- BEREC Guidelines on intra-EU communications
https://berec.europa.eu/eng/document_register/subject_matter/berec/regulatory_best_practices/guidelines/8448-berec-guidelines-on-intra-eu-communications
- BEREC explains intra-EU communications (video)
