Anatel studies creation of universal service

Edmundo Matarazzo, Anatel?s head of universalization, says the regulator is studying the possibility of a new license to provide voice and data applications of any kind based on packet switching over next-generation networks (NGN) or indeed using any platform apart from traditional fixed or mobile networks, such as cable, MMDS or satellite networks, for example. No time frame has been determined for auctioning the new license, he adds.
Incorporation of IP technology into data networks has created an opportunity to develop such a license as an alternative to continuing with universal telecommunications access. Anatel believes in eventually licensing network providers separately from service providers so as to clear the way for full unbundling and guarantee universal access by that route, Edmundo Matarazzo explains.
Anatel?s idea is that it would set a tariff of rates for remunerating specific network uses and enforce compulsory unbundling under rules complementary to those it wants to include in the new licenses awarded to incumbent local exchange carriers in 2005.

It remains to decide who will be eligible to bid for the new license and how the auctions will be conducted. This has yet to be discussed, Edmundo Matarazzo says, noting that the European Union plans to have such a service in place and has issued guidelines for regulation by individual member countries.