
Apritel issued a statement expressing its concerns regarding State protectionism to Portugal Telecom, commenting on the hypothesis of participation in the incumbent through Golden Share being replaced by a more significant shareholding.
«We are watching with concern the statements by members of the Government, in order to increase their influence over the management of the Portuguese historic operator», says the statement.
«This protectionism, either through Golden Share, or through an increased participation in the capital of the incumbent operator, represents a setback in the process of opening up to competition», considers the association of telecommunications operators.
The organization adds that if this protection is applied, it occurs «at the expense of industry, companies in general and consumers».
Apritel is therefore satisfied with the fact that the European Commission is aware of the issue and is sensitive to the problem.
The association released data this week from a European study carried out by ECTA to state that Portugal remains poorly positioned in terms of market competitiveness and to underline the document’s conclusions regarding the relationship between protectionism and investment.
It is recalled that the study, already mentioned by TeK, concluded that in the most protectionist markets the level of investment in the sector is lower and the benefits for the consumer less evident.
The document also recognizes that in countries where the regulator is held by the State, situations of conflict of interest are more likely.
On the subject, Apritel also mentions some examples of European countries that have already chosen to divest their privileged positions in privatized companies. Spain (with positions in TelefĂłnica, Endesa, Repsol and Iberia) and Holland (where the State sold half of its stake in KPN) are cited.
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2005-12-12 – Apritel criticizes Portuguese position in the ECTA study on competition in telecommunications