Turkish Telecommunications

The liberalization process in telecommunications started in 2004, however, the creation and organization of the Telecommunications Authority is still ongoing. Private companies are already operating providing local calls and long distance and Internet access. Nowadays, there are 16.5 million mobile telephone users and 62.8 million regular phone subscribers plus and 6.2 million broadband subscribers in December 2009.


The telecommunications liberalization is without a doubt making progress, but at a slow pace. The Telecommunications Authority (now called Iletisim ve Teknolojileri Bilgi Kurumu and BTK), remains controlled by the Ministry of Transport and Communications even though independent companies have take care of the organization and logistics.


Long distance calls have been opened to competition, these companies have achieved many good things, for example the have reached areas with restricted access. However, the country has protected their monopoly, for example, the regular home phone service is not available to alternative operators, which is necessary for subscribers to pay two invoices (one for rental of the S-line from the incumbent, and one for the chosen operator.)


The lack of progress by the BTK to ensure a competitive playing field, can be evidenced by market share. In broadband, the provider owner continues to occupy approximately 95% market share. The Office of Auditor Government of the Presidency (TC Devlet Cumhurbaskanligi Denetleme Kurulu) emitted a report highly critical of BTK in February 2010, listing 115 results to be addressed. For example, it was found that BTK had completed only 50% to 78% of their work plans established for each one of the years 2005-2008. The alternative operators continue growing quickly, but more progress needs to be achieved by the BTK to improve their competitive panorama.

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