The Telecoms Package shall apply to all electronic communications networks and services in Portugal, including public communications networks and publicly available electronic communications services. This includes internet service providers, telecommunications operators, and other entities that provide electronic communications services to the public. The provisions of this package shall be binding on all such entities, and shall be enforced by the relevant regulatory authorities. The package aims to promote competition and protect consumer rights in the telecommunications sector.
Plain language: This law applies to all companies that provide internet and phone services in Portugal, and they must follow its rules to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.
Internet service providers shall not block, throttle, or discriminate against specific types of internet traffic, except where necessary to prevent network congestion or to comply with a court order. They shall also ensure that their networks are capable of supporting all types of internet traffic, without imposing any unreasonable restrictions or limitations. The regulatory authority shall monitor compliance with these provisions and impose penalties for non-compliance. This is to ensure that all internet users have equal access to online content and services.
Plain language: Internet service providers cannot slow down or block certain types of internet content, and must treat all online traffic equally, unless there's a good reason to do so.
Consumers have the right to access and use any legal content, application, or service of their choice, as long as they do not harm the network or other users. Internet service providers shall not impose any restrictions on the devices or software that consumers can use to access their services, except where necessary to protect the security or integrity of the network. Consumers shall also have the right to switch internet service providers at any time, without incurring any penalties or charges. This is to promote consumer choice and flexibility in the telecommunications market.
Plain language: Consumers have the right to use the internet as they wish, as long as they're not harming anyone, and can choose any device or software to access online services.
The regulatory authority shall ensure that internet service providers provide consumers with clear and transparent information about their services, including prices, data limits, and any restrictions on usage. This information shall be easily accessible and shall be provided in a format that is easy for consumers to understand. Internet service providers shall also provide consumers with tools to monitor their usage and to control their spending. This is to promote transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
Plain language: Internet service providers must give consumers clear and easy-to-understand information about their services, including prices and any limits on usage.
In the event of a dispute between a consumer and an internet service provider, the consumer shall have the right to seek redress through an independent dispute resolution process. This process shall be free of charge to the consumer and shall be designed to provide a fair and impartial resolution to the dispute. The regulatory authority shall establish and oversee this dispute resolution process, and shall ensure that it is accessible and effective. This is to protect consumers' rights and promote fairness in the telecommunications sector.
Plain language: If a consumer has a problem with their internet service provider, they can use a free and independent dispute resolution process to resolve the issue.