Synopsis
Portugal’s broadband penetration is considerably lower than the European average, though the efforts of a capable and robust regulator coupled with infrastructure upgrades in both the cable and DSL sectors have narrowed the gap during the last two years. Cable has showed strong growth in recent years, partly through the efforts of the rebranded dominant operator ZON Multimédia. The incumbent, Portugal Telecom, and its subsidiaries control most of the DSL market, but new regulatory provisions have granted easier and cheaper access for alternative ISPs.
All operators have focussed on increasing broadband speed, while the regulator has encouraged and maintained the impetus for local loop unbundling. The fibre market remains underdeveloped, though regulatory measures coupled with substantial investments planned by the major operators should see significant growth in coming years. This report profiles Portugal’s fixed and wireless broadband markets, providing key statistics on the retail and wholesale sectors as well as subscriber forecasts to 2020.
Key developments:
Fibre sector showing strongest growth, accounting for 75% of all new subscribers; Cogeco sells Cabovisão for €45 million; regulator’s market data to Q4 2012; telcos’ operating and financial data to Q4 2012; market developments to April 2013.
Companies covered include:
Portugal Telecom, Sonaecom, Cabovisão, Vodafone, ZON Multimedia.
