The invitation-only event was hosted on 02 July by UMTS Forum member Turkcell, Turkey’s leading communication technology company. The seminar attracted an audience of more than 100 delegates from the Eurasia region, including operators, manufacturers, regulators and journalists.
The seminar provided a unique opportunity for delegates from the Eurasia region to hear latest news on mobile broadband market trends, technical developments and operators’ commercial plans for 3G/HSPA and LTE.
The agenda covered a wide range of topics relating to 3G technology, regulation and market aspects. Of particular interest were the technical/service capabilities of LTE) – the next step in a clearly-charted roadmap to high-speed global mobile broadband as standardised by 3GPP (the Third Generation Partnership Project). First commercial LTE deployments are expected by end 2010 in Asia, Europe and North America.
The seminar audience was welcomed by Ekrem Yener, Chief Corporate Business Officer at Turkcell, who emphasized today’s convergent mobile/Internet environment and the operator’s commitment to rapid evolution in mobile broadband. After launching 3G services later this month alongside Turkey’s two other license holders, Turkcell is already planning its rollout of HSPA+ that will offer even more dramatic enhancements in connection speed and service capabilities.
The meeting was also honoured by an opening address by Galip Zerey, Dept Chairman of Turkey’s Information Technologies and Communications Authority, who profiled Turkey’s thriving ICT sector where revenues have risen steadily over the last decade.
“Turkey’s vibrant economy and young, urbanised population provides a fertile ground for growth in demand for mobile broadband services”, commented UMTS Forum Chairman Jean-Pierre Bienaim. “The Turkish mobile market is already thriving, boosted by compelling tariffs and increased competition through recently-introduced number portability. Now with the arrival of 3G, Turkey has an exciting opportunity to boost its economic strength and leadership in the Eurasia region.”
Other topics examined in the seminar included growth in mobile data services, standardisation status in 3GPP, operator case studies, opportunities presented by the digital dividend and drivers for 3G take-up in the Eurasia region.
