Decree 4635/2003, which establishes a new structure for the Communications Ministry, states that the newly created telecommunications department is responsible for the following:
* formulating and proposing telecoms policies and guidelines, objectives and targets;
* orienting, overseeing and monitoring the activities of Anatel in accordance with the General Telecommunications Act;
* performing studies with a view to implementing measures to foster industrial, scientific and technological development in the nation?s telecoms sector, including job creation, balanced trade, and enhancement of the services provided to society;
* establishing standards, targets and criteria for the universalization of public telecoms services and ensuring that the targets are met;
* promoting interaction with domestic and international agencies within the scope of its jurisdiction;
* setting standards and criteria for the allocation of resources to projects and programs funded by Funttel and Fust;
* preparing reports and proposals to orient the formulation of programs and projects geared to telecoms universalization and digital inclusion.
