The first 4 parts of this interview will be read at ;
- Turktan: There is a Potential of 10-15 Million New Customers in Turkey – 1
- Turktan: Avea’s Real Advantage the Tariff Structure Which We Call ‘True Price’ – 2
- Turktan: We are Forming and Settling the Avea Culture – 3
- Turktan: We Will Make 300 million $ Investment in 2007 – 4
One of the most contemporary subjects for our country’s mobile sector is 3G. There are discussions in relation to this subject, such as; it is early when even the feedback of 2G investments are not yet received or the R&D requisition is unnecessary. We asked Turktan’s opinions in these matters:
What Will Avea do about 3G?
Cuneyt Turktan : We are the first firm in obtaining the 3G license contract file. Outside the normal investment plan, we have a progressive investment plan for 3G for 250 million $s.
Do you think it is early for 3G? There are some who make such remarks. They are saying “Isn’t it early when even 2G investments are not out yet?”
Cuneyt Turktan : Since the decision is reached by the Telecommunications Association we will go on to this technology. Even in Europe 3G has not become profitable.
There are long term income expectations from 3G. Youngsters are doing many things on the internet. They have got the time and the talent. On the other hand they do not have money. Our generation though has the money but does not have the time nor has the talent they have got. This is the dilemma of 3G those that will use 3G are the youngsters. When they reach this level the usage of 3G will increase. So will their income.
Wireless fast internet is developing. CDMA is also supplying vision. Today everyone is giving all types of contents over the internet page. Why should they purchase your contents separately with money?
This year a special meeting was held during GSM conference. In that meeting where only the CEO’s attended, it was discussed how to liven up 3G. There are 2 main subjects.
- How does Mobile TV develop? How can we adapt the present TV to 3G?
- There must be improvements in banking applications
Security demanding works carried out will improve the usage of 3G.
On the other hand there is still no 3G content. Works need to be done with a speed over Edge and rival to ADSL. Uses are brought up by customer needs. The cost should also be low. Why should he get it from the mobile if he can get it from the office? This needs to be thought about.
Those who identify the services that need to be offered to the customers will win but we do not see these services identified yet. Wideband will be the infrastructure. There will be improvements when the youngsters now, who are tuned to technology but do not have money, start employment. That is why I am saying that 3G is long term.
There is also The Requisition of R&D Brought by TK for 3G. What is Your View in This Matter?
Cuneyt Turktan : I find it important. It is a good decision made in the right time. There were mistakes made with 2G. A Market solely geared to import was established. In fact, even the faulty parts could not be mended here, they were sent abroad.
In my opinion Turkey missed that opportunity but this will be a good opportunity. It will create employment. In my opinion this is an important aspect.
It is important even only hardware maintenance is done. It is also important from the point of services. The services must be suitable for the developing telephone culture and to Turkey. Services can be produced by working with IT firms within the nation. It will advantageous to operation and will also supply jobs. 3G is yet in its early stages. There are services that can be improved with R&D.
GSM firms must offer services that the customers use and must prioritize in new technology.
Is the Fact That Avea’s frequency is 1800 an advantage for investments in 3G?
Cuneyt Turktan : No it is not. Operators with both the frequencies of 900 as well as 1800 will invest in Turkey, because the frequency is assigned to be 2100. As a matter of fact since it is 2100 the cells will diminish and thus there is a need for more investment. Surely the diminishing of the cells means that the quality will increase.
What Are You Thinking About Wimax? Do You See Them As Opponents?
Cuneyt Turktan : Wimax’s business models are not settled. It may be applied locally but on a National level it is a technology which can be expensive. I see its future uncertain. It may be complamentary for the mobile areas, but I do not consider them as an opponent.
The following chapter will be read at Turktan: We Will Work with a Core Team, Outsource Everything – 6
Turkish translation of this chapter will be read at ; Turktan: 3G’den Gelir Ancak Uzun Vadede Gelebilir – 5
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