The Turkish government has announced plans to hold a 4G spectrum auction in May which could open the market up to a fourth entrant.
Transport and Communications Minister Lutfi Elvan told media the auction will include airwaves in the 800, 900, 1800,…
The Turkish government has announced plans to hold a 4G spectrum auction in May which could open the market up to a fourth entrant.
Transport and Communications Minister Lutfi Elvan told media the auction will include airwaves in the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands and be completed by the end of May.
Operators will be able to launch services using the spectrum by the end of the year, he said, adding that the government aims to extend 4G coverage to 90% of the population within six years.
The potential new entrant will be able to bid for 2600 MHz spectrum only.
Existing operators are Turkcell, in which Swedish telco TeliaSonera, the local Cukurova Group and Russia’s Altimo are the largest shareholders, Vodafone and Turk Telekom’s Avea.
Commenting on the auction plans, Turkcell acting CEO Ilker Kuruoz said the company wants to launch 4G services as soon as possible and will step up preparations to ensure it can do so.
“We have kept our readiness levels for 4G very high by investing in our network, expanding our fibre backbone and launching our own 4G-branded smartphone, the Turkcell T50,” he said.
Spokespeople for Turk Telekom confirmed that the company will also take part in the auction, describing it as “critical” for all local operators to remain competitive. They described the 800 MHz frequencies as particularly important to secure.
Vodafone declined to comment.
Turkey’s 3G auction in 2008 also made room for a new entrant, but none applied to take part.
