Senate approves PLC 79, which "donates" R $ 105 billion in public infrastructure for operators

After being postponed once again in the last week, the PLC (Complementary Bill) 79 vote is approved by the Senate Science and Technology Commission. By 7 votes to 3, the PLC 79 aims to change the General Telecommunications Law and terminate the telephone concessions, turning them into authorizations.

The project is opposed because it wants to change the current model of telecommunication concession in Brazil and allow the free transfer of the national infrastructure, valued at approximately R $ 105 billion for telephone operators.

Another harsh criticism is in reference to the change in the concession model, which was not made to protect the city if an operator declares bankruptcy. Once it goes bankrupt, the user will not be guaranteed to provide services.

PLC advocates say the project should stimulate the development of national broadband with the "donation" of 105 billion reais to Brazil's largest telcos. "We do not have to do this because he would have to go back to the Chamber," said rapporteur Flexa Ribeiro (PSDB / PA).

The future president of Anatel, Leonardo de Morais, celebrated the vote, which he favored from the beginning, stating that "this is the most important economic microform of the sector, after the privatization of telecommunications."

Now the PLC 79/2016 goes to the Camera Plenary and must be approved on an emergency basis next week.