Approved the model, procedures and conditions of the social tariff for the provision of Internet services

Approved the model, procedures and conditions of the social tariff for the provision of Internet services

The social tariff for the provision of Internet access services has as main objective to promote digital inclusion, through the possibility of access to a minimum set of digital-based services This social tariff created by Decree-Law no. 30 July, aims to fill a market failure and respond to a need for access to a digital service by a segment of the economically most needy population that, for financial reasons, is excluded from accessing essential digital services. This measure is in line with other social tariffs applicable to other essential basic services, namely those relating to water or electricity, and took into account similar experiences already implemented in other European countries.

The ordinance published today (Ordinance no. of Internet.

For reasons of public interest, and during the first year of implementation of the tariff, the cost will be 5 euros (plus VAT). In cases where the allocation of the social tariff for access to fixed or mobile broadband Internet services must be preceded by activation services and/or access equipment, the maximum and single price to be charged for this purpose is 21.45 euros (plus VAT).

Procedure for allocating the social tariff for the provision of Internet access services
The attribution of the social tariff is carried out, upon application by the interested party to the companies that offer broadband Internet access services.
The order must be accompanied with the following information:
i) Full name;
ii) Tax identification number (NIF);
iii) Tax address of the contract holder;
iv) In the specific case of university students, belonging to households that are in the situation described in subparagraph f) of paragraph 1 of article 4 of Decree-Law n.º 66/2021, of 30 July, the The application must also be accompanied by a declaration proving enrollment in a higher education institution, as well as a document proving the respective current address of residence.

Consumers to whom, following a request made, the social tariff is not granted, they may also submit an application for the respective allocation, containing all the aforementioned elements as well as proof of low income or special need condition, in order to prove the your eligibility.

Companies that offer broadband Internet access services send the requests made by consumers to the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANACOM) and ANACOM verifies the eligibility of potential beneficiaries with the competent services, informing them of its decision. After ANACOM's response, the companies providing broadband Internet access services, within a maximum period of 10 days, activate the social tariff for the provision of these services.

More information at:

https://dre.pt/dre/detalhe/portaria/274-a-2021-175043517