7. The operating areas, number of carriers, duration of the concessions and
licenses as well as deadlines for the acceptance of new carriers are defined on
the basis of the competitive environment, in compliance with the principle of the
highest benefit to the user and taking into account the social and economic
interests of the Country, while also ensuring a fair remuneration for the public
telecommunications carriers.
Article 20º
Interconnection
1. Interconnection is taken as meaning the connection between
telecommunication networks that are functionally compatible whereby the
subscribers to the service of one of these networks may communicate with the
subscribers to the other, or access the services available therein.
2. Interconnection facilities among the various public telecommunication
networks are mandatory under the regulation framework inherent thereto.
3. Conditions for interconnecting networks are subject to free negotiation
among the carriers, with due respect to the provisions in this Law and the terms
of regulations to be issued.
4. For the purpose of the provisions in the previous item, the Regulatory
Agency shall manage the basic technical numbering plans, after approval by the
Telecommunication Authority in a nondiscriminatory and transparent manner,
as well as the switching, signaling, transmission and synchronization plans, in
addition to other plans inherent to the interconnection and interoperability of the
telecommunication networks, ensuring compliance with international
commitments.
5. The Basic Technical Plans should reflect the interests of users and
carriers, ensuring that the following objectives are met:
a) Allow the entry of new carriers and the development of new services;
b) Allow free and fair competition among carriers.
6. The interconnection among terminals and databases, computers or
computer networks established in the country with similar devices installed
outside the national territory are subject to prior authorization from the
Telecommunication Authority.