Every month, thousands of Portuguese look at the operator’s invoice and feel the same discomfort. Between television, internet, landline and associated mobile phones, it is not uncommon to find accounts that reach 70, 80 or even 100 euros per month. Doubt is imposed: Are consumers paying more than they should for communications in Portugal?
According to advanced data by ANACOM and cited by Lifestyle’s site, Leak, the prices of telecommunications services in the country rose 5.8% in just one year, an increase well above the average registered in the European Union. In the context of inflation, this climb further accentuates the weight of communications in the family budget.
Today, an average package of an operator with television, fixed internet and telephone costs between 60 and 90 euros per month. At the end of the year, the account ranges from 720 to 1080 euros. If moving services are added, this value easily exceeds a thousand euros.
The weight of international comparison
When observing what is happening in neighboring countries, it is clear that Portugal continues to stand out among the most expensive in Europe. In Spain, similar packages surround the 40 to 50 euros monthly.
In France, it is possible to hire internet and calls for less than 30 euros. In Italy, the market is more competitive and low-cost offers from 25 euros.
According to the same source, this difference has explanation: in Portugal, the market is dominated by three major operators, Meo, Nos and Vodafone, which concentrate most customers. Although there are smaller companies, real competition is limited, often functioning as an oligopoly.
More and hidden clauses services
Many consumers pay for services they rarely use. The landline has become practically obsolete, most television channels are forgotten and the boxes add to the bill monthly.
In addition, several contracts include automatic increases indexed to inflation, making the price go up every year, even without visible improvements in the quality of service.
Another obstacle is loyalty. 24 -month contracts make mobility difficult and maintain customers trapped to more expensive packages, otherwise they face high penalties to terminate in advance.
Strategies to download the invoice
Sector experts referred to by the same source recommend three simple steps. First, analyze that all services included are actually used. Second, check how long the contract is not reviewed. Old customers tend to have less favorable conditions. Finally, compare prices regularly.
Explains that a call to the operator can make a difference: often, by threatening to cancel the contract, immediate discounts arise. Cutting unnecessary extras also reduces the annual account by about 200 euros. The change to low-cost operators can represent a savings of up to 400 euros a year.
In practice, accounts can shrink at 600 to 700 euros if these strategies are combined. The impact is equivalent, in some cases, an extra yield of one month.
Still, the same publication stresses that most customers do not compare prices, do not negotiate and accept successive increases without question, perpetuating one of the most expensive telecommunications markets in Europe.
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