Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Turkey 2013
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After a brief dip following the onset of the global financial crisis, the telecoms sector has made a robust recovery, exceeding pre-crisis subscriber numbers in 2012. The domestic mobile network is now comparable to that of North America and Western Europe, in terms of penetration and services, with fixed-line services already reaching the majority of the population. A heavy tax regime is hampering further growth of the mobile market, but the expansion of mobile broadband services and a huge demand for smartphones have created high growth potential. The young, tech-savvy population is driving demand for new technology, and, as Turkey moves to construct an expansive 4G network across the country by the end of 2016, the mobile market is poised for strong, steady growth.
This chapter contains an interview with Hakam Kanafani, CEO Turk Telekom Group, and Faruk Eczacıbaşı, Vice-Chairman, Eczacıbaşı Holding.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Hold the phone: New technology adoption fuels growth despite high tax burden
OBG
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After the government began privatisation in the 1990s Turkey’s telecommunications network attracted significant foreign direct investment and underwent rapid modernisation. The country’s mobile network is now comparable to that of North America and Western Europe in terms of penetration and services, with fixed-line services already reaching a majority of the population. While government statistics indicate that the fixed-line market may have peaked, the mobile sector still holds great potential.…

Analysis

Need for speed: 4G mobile network technology offers competitive advantages
OBG
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As Turkey’s young, technologically engaged population increases its internet usage on a variety of platforms, the mobile internet market is set for substantial growth in 2013. Having traditionally lagged behind other nations in 3G development, Turkey is now in an advantageous position to roll out 4G and 4G long-term evolution (LTE) networks, offering customers the fastest mobile internet speeds in the world, and supporting continued growth in the mobile market. Although 3G development first kicked…

Interview

OBG talks to Hakam Kanafani, CEO, Türk Telekom Group
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Interview: Hakam Kanafani In your opinion, what kind of impact will fibre network expansion have on Turkey’s economic growth over the long term? HAKAM KANAFANI: Supported by a young and dynamic population, Turkey has become a rising star among European economies. This is particularly evident in the domestic telecommunications sector, which is undergoing rapid expansion and is playing a huge role in facilitating the country’s transition to an information society. Fibre network expansion is critical…

Interview

OBG talks to Faruk Eczacibafil, Vice-Chairman, Eczac›bafl› Holding, and Chairman, Turkish Informatics Foundation
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Interview: Faruk Eczacibafil How can IT contribute to Turkey’s effort to become one of the world’s 10 largest economies by 2023? FARUK ECZACIBAFIL: Studies conducted by the Turkish Informatics Industry Association suggest that Turkey’s growth rate could be higher than expected if both the public and private sector fully adopt information and communications technology (ICT) solutions. Some argue that greater ICT use could boost the annual growth rate to over 7%, though 6-6.5% might be more…

Overview

Virtual connections: Infrastructure expansion is aiding growth in spite of piracy challenges
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Bolstered by growth in mobile broadband and fibre-optic services, plans for massive 4G expansion, and a young population keen to embrace the latest in technology, IT is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Turkish economy. Under the government’s expansive Vision 2023 strategy, the country plans to make major strides in internet penetration, technological innovations and research leadership within the sector, although censorship and piracy issues have created a need for progressive regulatory…