A meeting was held on 3 September, in Beira Baixa, between ANACOM and the Beira Baixa Intermunicipal Community (CIM), aimed at disclosing information on the migration of the transmitters of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) network and the measures taken by ANACOM to mitigate the impact of this process among the population.
At this meeting, the Vice-Chairman of ANACOM, João Miguel Coelho highlighted the measures taken by ANACOM to support the population, namely the free telephone helpline (800 102 002) that operates every day between 9h00 and 22h00, which people may call to clear doubts and obtain support in retuning their television or DTT decoder. If anyone is unable to retune the equipment on their own or with assistance provided through this free helpline, ANACOM will schedule a visit to this person's home for its technical personnel to do the retuning free of charge. ANACOM also mentioned its delivery of a letter with an explanatory leaflet to all residences and commercial establishments, in addition to other communication initiatives that are planned.
The DTT transmitters serving the municipalities included in the Beira Baixa CIM shall be switched between 2 and 18 September.
This CIM covers the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Oleiros, Penamacor, Proença-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Ródão.
At this meeting, the local government authorities expressed their concern with the insufficient broadband coverage, both mobile and fixed, at a time when it appears essential due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation, in addition to being crucial in the economic and social development of this region of the country. They showed willingness to invest in infrastructure to promote and accelerate the region's coverage with good telecommunications. The proliferation of cables and posts, the inexistence of the compulsory requirement to bury cables, namely following the fires, the impact of 5G on health and the evolution of the postal service were other topics addressed.
Representatives of ANACOM and the Beira Baixa Intermunicipal Community attended the meeting.
