In a statement, the telecommunications operator said that as of January 31 "it will reduce the maximum amount that its customers will have to pay in case of early termination of the loyalty period, and for the product TV, Internet, fixed and mobile phone this reduction is greater than 50%.

According to NOS, "this measure consists in establishing a maximum amount of 500 euros to be paid in case of early termination".

The operator led by Miguel Almeida says that, "with these measures of significant reduction of charges, NOS reinforces its commitment to deliver value to Portuguese families, in a positive movement compared to its competitors".

He pointed out that "the communications market in Portugal is recognised for its competitive dynamism and unique capacity for self-regulation, as is once again signalled by this decision".

On 9 December, the Competition Authority (PCA) released an analysis that shows that the prices of communications in Portugal are 20% higher than the EU average, and those of the Internet are 31% more expensive.

In the analysis, the PCA adds that packages sold in Portugal are 13% more expensive than the European average and identifies the highest prices in Portugal as a "vulnerability" in terms of competition, such as the "reduced mobility" of consumers and the "high number" of complaints.

The PCA analysis focused on customer loyalty and switching costs, which it considered "contribute to the perception of reduced competition" in the sector by Portuguese consumers.

Last November, the president of the Communications Authority (Anacom), João Cadete de Matos, argued that a reduction in the price of communications and Internet access in Portugal was "essential".

Also last November, Apritel, an association of the telecommunications sector, released a study that placed Portugal in second place out of a group of 10 countries with the lowest package of communications services in Europe.