Turkey On Track for 3G License Auction by Year-End
Turkey is still on track to hold its second attempt at a 3G license auction by the end of this year, subject to no "extraordinary" events preventing it. Unnamed sourced told the Reuters news agency that the "tender will be held in December if there is no extraordinary development,"
A second media report, citing the Communications Minister, Binali Yildirim said that the auction would start on November 28th.
The Turkish government's Official Gazette, where all new laws are published recently announced that the license auction would occur by March 2009.
According to the Gazette, the minimum value of the A License is set as US$405 million, while the minimum value is US$355 million for the B License, US$304 million for the C License and US$253 million for the D License.
Only Turkcell was willing to bid for a 3G license in the original tender in 2007, after the other two operators, Vodafone and Avea refused to participate in the original auction unless mobile number portability was also offered. The license which was awarded to Turkcell was later cancelled due to the lack of competition.
Mobile number portability is due to be launched in the country in November.
Turkcell dominates the local market, controlling some 60% of customer base according to figures from the Mobile World analysts. Vodafone is second with 26% and Avea trails with just 14%. The country has nearly 54 million mobile phone users, which represents a market penetration level of 76%.
Earlier this year, Avea said that its network is now ready for 3G services - as soon as the regulator offers a second tender for the licenses.
On the web: Reuters - Mobile World
Posted to the site on 7th October 2008
