New telecoms policy published

The Communications Ministry published Wednesday, June 11, its proposal for the Government?s new telecommunications policy, especially with regard to new licenses due to come into force in 2006. The text includes changes agreed with incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) at a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top officials last week.
Unbundling and interconnect rates will be set in accordance with a ?long-term costing model? that takes into account the ILECs? past capital expenditure and amortization. Anatel will develop the costing model. Public-service charges will be capped on the basis of an industry index after allowing for productivity.
Portability

The text calls for companies that provide more than one type of fixed-line service to keep separate accounts, specifies number portability without conditions of any kind and portability of non-geographic codes, single bills with all details free of charge, and transparent equity ownership. Anatel?s role is bolstered by an article transferring all responsibility for implementation to the regulator.