The history of APDC is deeply intertwined with the evolution of telecommunications and media sectors, as well as Portugal’s own transformation over the past 40 years. This timeline unveils many of key moments shaped by people, companies, and institutions that have given it purpose and direction.
1984
Nov.
1984
Gonçalo Sequeira Braga, Founder and First President of APDC
Jan.
1986
Start of Network Digitilisation
May.
1986
First Recreational Activities for Members
To foster camaraderie among its members, APDC launches a series of recreational and sports activities. A tennis tournament was the first sports event, followed by others in disciplines such as football, bridge, karting and golf.
Jan.
1987
First Step in the Reform of the Telecommunications Sector in Portugal
Publication of the CEDITC Report (Commission for the Study of Institutional and Technological Development of Communications) – a diagnostic report on the state of telecommunications infrastructure in Portugal, with strategic recommendations for modernizing the sector.
Dec.
1988
First Intercontinental Optical Cable | Portugal on the Submarine Superhighways
Sep.
1989
Launch of the Terrestrial Mobile Service in Portugal
Sep.
1989
First Basic Law on Telecommunications
1990
Sep.
1990
Launch of Paging Service
Jan.
1991
Public Tender for 2nd Generation GSM Mobile Licence
Apr.
1991
Start of Broadcasting Infrastructure
Oct.
1992
Launch of the First Mobile Phone
Mar.
1993
Opening of Trunking Service to Competition
The trunking service (shared mobile radio resources) is opened to competition. Radiomóvel and Repart emerge in the market.
May.
1994
Restructuring of State Communications | Consolidation for Privatisation
Jul.
1995
E-commerce Platforms
Oct.
1995
Marconi Joins Portugal Telecom
Jan.
1998
Full Telecommunications Liberalisation in the EU
Full liberalisation of telecommunications networks and services comes into force across the EU. Portugal is granted a temporary exemption from the deadline for opening its market.
Oct.
1999
First Residential Internet Offering
Oct.
1999
Analogue Mobile Service Discontinued
TMN announces it will discontinue analogue mobile services.
2000
Dec.
2000
PT Privatisation Concluded
The fifth and final stage of PT’s privatisation is completed. The State retains a golden share, granting it special rights over the group, Portugal Telecom SGPS. In total, the State earns approximately five billion euros from the sale.
Jan.
2001
Telecel Becomes Vodafone
Nov.
2001
Number Portability Introduced
Number portability for fixed-line operators is introduced in the market. In January 2002, it is extended to mobile network operators.
Dec.
2001
Sale of Fixed Network to PT
The Government approves the sale of the national fixed-line network to Portugal Telecom for €365 million. The decree published in the Official Gazette guarantees network access to new fixed-line operators.
Jan.
2004
APDC Celebrates 20 Years
APDC celebrates its 20th anniversary with a series of events reflecting on the growth of ICT in Portugal.
Feb.
2004
Third Generation Mobile Arrives
Jul.
2007
Television and DTT Move Forward
May.
2008
Launch of the First iPhone in Portugal
Oct.
2008
Next Generation Networks (NGN) Become a Strategic Priority
The Portuguese Government, through a Council of Ministers Resolution, designates investment in NGNs as a national strategic priority and sets out key targets.
2010
Mar.
2012
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Portugal | A Signal of Change
The analogue terrestrial television signal is officially switched off, completing the transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
Aug.
2012
Universal Service Compensation Fund
Law no. 35/2012, of 23 August, creates the compensation fund for the electronic communications universal service. The fund is intended to cover net costs resulting from the provision of universal service.
May.
2014
Creation of NOS | A Major Industry Player
Sep.
2014
Privatisation of CTT | A Success Story
Jul.
2017
Launch of the National Initiative for Digital Skills 2030 (Portugal INCoDe.2030)
2020
