Spain: Companies must pay for Universal Service scheme

Spain’s competition watchdog has decided to force several telecomm companies to pay their share for the running of the National Fund for Universal Service. The country’s main telecomm operators, Telefónica, Telefónica Móviles, Vodafone and Orange, will together contribute a total of 31.9 million euros.

Each company’s contribution was calculated in consideration of their income during 2011. Telefónica will pay 12 million euros; Telefónica Móviles 9.5 million; Vodafone 6.5 million and Orange 3.9 million.

The Universal Service program covers a series of services guaranteed to be available for anyone, regardless of location and regular operator. It includes access to fixed telephone networks, free-number guides and services for people with disabilities, among others. The program is audited annually in order to determine each operator’s contribution.

Full content: CNMC

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