ANACOM, the communications regulatory authority in Portugal, announced the imposition of fines worth 7.3 million euros throughout 2023. This amount aims to reinforce the entity's ongoing effort to ensure compliance and consumer protection in the communications sector. communications.
The year 2023 saw ANACOM decide 277 administrative offense cases. This is an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. Of these, 240 resulted in condemnatory decisions, with the imposition of significant fines for the companies involved.
MEO received the heaviest fine: 2.46 million euros
Among the most notable penalties, the fine of 2.46 million euros to MEO for failing to comply with the rules relating to the termination of contracts stands out. There are also fines totaling 708 thousand euros for Worten, for selling radio equipment that did not comply with legal requirements.
NOS Açores was fined 678 thousand euros for non-compliance with service suspension rules. NOS Madeira and Vodafone were fined 360 thousand euros and 335 thousand euros for violating the rules relating to contractual complaints.
Fines in 2022 totaled 17 million euros
It should be remembered that in 2022, fines totaled 17 million euros, mainly due to infractions committed by the four largest operators. If we look at this figure, the 7 million for 2023 may seem substantial.
The processes initiated by ANACOM in 2023 are based on news reports and inspection reports. In addition, it was also information received from other public entities and complaints.