Digi warns over Portugal future amid watchdog challenge
October 29, 2026 09.47 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Digi has warned that its future in Portugal could be at risk if proposed spectrum renewals preserve the advantages held by established mobile operators, after the country’s competition authority called for changes to the plans.

Telecoms regulator ANACOM is proposing extending spectrum rights held by MEO, NOS and Vodafone, with some allocations remaining in place until 2041–2042. Digi argues the approach would constrain its ability to compete for years to come.

Speaking to journalists on 23 October, Digi executive director Valentin Popoviciu raised withdrawal as a possible scenario, rather than announcing an exit decision.

“One possible outcome could be our departure from Portugal, for example,” he said. Popoviciu added the issue would require further discussion if Digi could not secure adequate resources.

The dispute centres on spectrum below 1GHz, which supports indoor reception and coverage over wider areas. According to Digi’s comparison, it holds 10MHz in these bands, against 50MHz for MEO and 60MHz each for NOS and Vodafone.

Digi wants expiring rights to be awarded through competitive procedures with spectrum caps and a reserved allocation for a smaller operator. It also proposes access to an unallocated 2×5MHz block at 700MHz, which would double its low-band holdings, alongside national roaming and network-sharing obligations.

The operator’s concerns have been reinforced by Portugal’s competition authority, the Autoridade da Concorrência.

Earlier this month, the authority warned that renewal would limit opportunities for Digi to expand and for other operators to enter. It recommended reconsidering renewals in the 800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz bands and, if 800MHz and 1800MHz rights are extended, considering shorter terms ending in 2033.

The authority also advocated stronger network-access obligations and incentives for spectrum-sharing agreements as conditions of renewal.

ANACOM argues its proposal balances competition with service continuity and investment certainty. The draft would preserve rights across the 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands and half the incumbents’ 900MHz holdings until late 2041 or early 2042. Remaining 900MHz rights and 2600MHz allocations would run until 2033.

The regulator says the staggered timetable would retain an opportunity to intervene in spectrum allocation in the early 2030s, while giving operators confidence to invest and imposing stronger coverage obligations. It estimates the spectrum covered by the renewals is worth approximately €550 million.

Digi has submitted a Lisbon Economics study estimating potential consumer benefits of up to €3.5 billion over 15 years from stronger competition. The research was commissioned by Digi.

The renewals remain subject to ANACOM’s final decision.