Portugal's telecom CEOs demand clarity on 2027 spectrum licence renewals
The heads of Portugal’s three largest telecom firms have raised concerns over the uncertainty surrounding spectrum licence renewals due in 2027. At a recent industry event, CEOs from NOS, MEO and Vodafone criticised the lack of clarity from regulator Anacom, warning that delays could impact future investments and market stability.
The issue has drawn attention from both industry leaders and government officials, with calls for faster decisions and broader reforms to support growth in the sector.
During the APDC congress, NOS CEO Miguel Almeida described market consolidation as 'clear and inevitable'. His comments came in response to a question from APDC President Rogério Carapuça about the future structure of Portugal’s telecom industry. Almeida also accused Anacom of failing to follow EU guidelines on licence renewals, adding to the frustration among operators.
Ana Figueiredo, CEO of MEO, and Vodafone Portugal’s Luís Lopes echoed these concerns. Figueiredo stressed that any consolidation should form part of wider reforms aimed at developing critical infrastructure. Lopes, meanwhile, pointed to a drop in retail revenues in 2025 despite an increase in customer numbers, highlighting financial pressures on operators. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz weighed in, urging Anacom to act quickly on the 2027 renewals. He emphasised the need for a timely decision to avoid disruption. Sandra Maximiniano, chair of Anacom, responded by stating that a 'balanced solution' would be announced 'very soon'. The CEOs noted that similar warnings had been made at the previous APDC congress, yet little progress had been made since then.
The telecom leaders’ criticism puts pressure on Anacom to provide certainty before the 2027 deadline. A decision on licence renewals is now expected shortly, with operators and the government both stressing the need for a solution that supports investment and market stability. The outcome will shape the future of Portugal’s telecom sector in the coming years.
