In our sector, 2007 was marked by the growing competition. Thanks to our focused distribution system and well perceived value offers, the number of our subscribers increased by 13 % in comparison to the previous year, reaching a total of 34,8 million by September. During the first nine months of 2007, our subscriber base continued to grow and we acquired three million new subscribers. Leader by far in Turkey by number of subscribers, we also left T-Mobile Germany behind and became the second largest GSM operator in Europe. All this goes to show that our customers preferred us, because they were pleased with our powerful value offers like; the widest coverage area and the highest quality communication; the possibility to talk to a maximum number of people at the most suitable price; and the most extensive and highest quality service network. In 2007, the competition became increasingly fierce, but Turkcell managed to grow at parallel speed.
In 2007, we provided our users with new products and new services. Turkcell Mobile Signature was one of the most important innovations. Employed by five banks at the beginning, Mobile Signature later spread to 10 banks, to customs offices, to the Ministry Health and to several municipalities. The Turkcell Mobile Signature program constituted a major step in e-state transformation. Turkcell Mobile Signature was placed at the users’ service as the first in Turkey as well as the world to carry its unique security features.
During the last few years, the speed of technological change in areas like equipment, access, service and content has acquired incredible proportions. This makes it easier for us to present customers with solutions that meet their needs. The effects of convergence opportunities on communication technologies become conspicuous in each different domain that touches the customers. User experience is enhanced each day by the multimedia features of mobile appliances and the rapid increase of their capabilities. Cell phones are not mere telephones any more, but have also acquired the qualities of computers, game apparatus and television and radio sets. A single cell phone makes it possible for you to run your business whenever and wherever you need to. That is why we attach so much importance to the concept of “Mobile Office” at Turkcell. By accelerating the work on “Tcell” Mobile office applications, we have cleared the way for people to work anywhere, without going to their offices.
In 2007, our sector was stamped by the 3G infrastructure tender where Turkcell was the sole bidder. We expect the 3G tender to be realised in 2008 in order to clear Turkey’s way and to increase the international competitive power of our business sector, as we believe it will.
Our market penetration rate in the Turkish mobile telecommunication field neared 85% towards the end of 2007. We expect this figure to reach almost 95% in 2008. In the coming years, one of the most fundamental priorities of mobile communication will be to get a closer look at large mass markets to provide them with optimum solutions to meet their needs. Another priority of the sector will be to stress simplicity and useability in this world of increasingly complex technology and services. At Turkcell, we shall continue to enhance our customers’ lives by presenting them with the best possible offers of value.
For the Turkish translation of this article, please click on Ciliv : 2007’nin Belirleyici Yn Rekabetin Artmasyd.