Synopsis
Portugal’s mobile market is served by a triopoly of MNOs, the incumbent’s TMN, Vodafone and Optimus. Mobile penetration is above the EU average, while growth has been supported through the popularity of using multiple SIMs. All operators have launched 3G services and have invested in HSPA and LTE upgrades, while TMN was the first to launch commercial LTE services, in early 2012. The MVNO market remains undeveloped, though network operators have their own low-cost brands and a range of offers tied to commercial enterprises, such as clubs, providing bespoke calling rates. This report profiles Portugal’s mobile market, providing statistics on network operators, a review of the key regulatory issues, a snapshot of the consumer market, and an analysis of mobile data services such as SMS, Push-to-Talk and mobile TV.
Key developments:
Late-2011 multi-band spectrum auction raises €372 million; LTE trials underway across Portugal; TMN launches LTE with 90% population coverage expected by end-2012; mobile data reaches 45TB in 2011; financial constraints putting pressure on consumer spend for high-end telecom services to 2013; regulator’s market data to Q4 2011; operator financial and operational data to end-2011; market developments into 2012.
Companies covered include:
TMN, Optimus, Vodafone, ZON Multimedia.