Portugal’s communications regulator Anacom is to prohibit commercials practices that are designed to that induce consumers into believing that DTT will end and that they will have to subscribe to paid television services in order to continue receiving free-to-air channels.
Emphasizing that DTT is free and will remain so the regulator says the precautionary measure is being taken ahead of the migration of the DTT network across the country that begins on Friday.
Like many European countries, Portugal is clearing DTT spectrum ahead of the launch of 5G services.
“In view of the situations of which it has become aware, ANACOM considers that there is a distinct possibility that companies providing electronic communications services, and/or persons acting on their behalf, will adopt practices such as those described, the prevention of which is paramount,” the regulator said in a statement.
Anyone found in breach of the ruling will be liable to a fine.
Portuguese consumers need only retune their existing receivers.