Brasília, 12/27/2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The telecommunications regulatory agency, Anatel, reports that it will include new terms in operating concession contracts which should be signed by June 30, 2003. The new terms may include Universalization and Quality Goals. Public hearings and consultations on the terms will be held in March 2003.

With regard to tariffs, according to Anatel counsel, Tito Cerasolia, the consumer will be the winner. "We are going to substitute pulses for minutes. It will be easier for the consumer to know what he is paying for," he explained. The cost of installing a phone will also be modified, basing it on the price of a minute, "so that there is more competition and the consumer benefits," he concluded. (AB)