ADSL, the abbreviation for “Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line” represents the easiest and the cheapest access method. ADSL provides high speed data, audio and video communication. As uninterrupted Internet access is provided, it also allows to make phone calls. ADSL technology is considered as an alternative to satellite and cable Internet access. ADSL, one of the leading access options in the world, is often preferred by corporate users.
Turk Telekom aims to reach to end users in 44 provinces for ADSL access of 60 thousand ports. For this reason I developed “solution partnership” model for such large-scaled organization. “Solution partner” firm must have a marketing network organized in 44 provinces.
In Turkey, ADSL users of 10 thousand ports are located in Ankara, İstanbul, İzmir and Çanakkale provinces. It it is commonly known, ADSL tender for 60 thousand ports was resulted in June, 2003 being awarded to Meteksan-Nec syndicate and it was announced that the access would reach the end user by November.
Turk Telekom states that a commission has been formed to determine solution partner firms and the commission will determine firms by the end of November.
Sector experts suggest that ADSL access is the best option in aspect of speed and cost among the access options in Turkey. Path to be followed by an end user to obtain an ADSL connection is as follows:
- In order to use ADSL connection you should firstly learn if ADSL ports do exist in your region. You can ask about ADSL ports calling the relevant Telekom administration.
- If you have ADSL port in your region, then you should apply to the relevant Telekom Administration. If there is no port then you make a pre-application and get into the rank.
- After making your application you execute an agreement. Then, you wait for information from Telekom officials regarding connection. Telekom makes the connection within 10 days.
- You should obtain a Turk Telekom approved modem during this 10 day period. List of the firms where these modems are available can be found in Turk Telekom’s web site.
- Modems of one-user computers cost between 80-120 dollars. If you own a internal corporate network, price of the modem you should buy ranges between 250-300 dollars.
- After you obtain the modem you get a user name and a password from Telekom. This way, Telekom opens your access line.
With solution partnership system, Turk Telekom’s application through regional administrations will be made through firms. It is stated that applications will still be made to Telekom and all other operations will be provided by the solution partner firm.
It is reported that Turk Telekom’s Head Office for Marketing receives the applications and will start distribution after determining the solution partner firms.
A connection fee of 17 million TL was charged for ADSL connection, priorly. As for monthly payments, it was in amount of: 49 million a month for a speed of 128/32, 170 million a month for a speed of 256/64, 520 million a month for a speed of 512/128, 1 billion 398 million for a speed of 1024/256 and 2 billion 369 million for a speed of 2048/512.
Will the Institute of Telecommunication Implement Its Regulation Function?
On the other hand, it is reported that the Institute of Telecommunication makes a study on ADSL issue. This study is made upon the application of ISPs and for the reason that Turk Telekom blocks ISPs in respect of ADSL. It is expected that a decision will be announced today Turk Telekom’s block against ADSL will be removed. As it is known, ADSL and Cable Internet (Broadband) sales have exceeded dial-up connections all over the world. For this reason, liberalization of ADSL is of significant importance for ISPs.
In their application to the Institute of Competition in 2001, ISPs had mentioned the ADSL issue. However Council of Competition’s resolution saying “Broadband markets to be opened to ISPs” has not been practiced since then.
As Turk Telekom proves that it can associate with other firms under business partnership model, it refuses to assign port to ISPs to provide their own ADSL service.
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