Local operators win Turkish 3G licences

Following an auction Turkey has issued three new 3G licences, all to incumbent operators. Plans to issue a fourth licence were cancelled due to lack of interest from potential bidders.

Turkey's largest mobile operator Turkcell won the A Licence, which offered the largest block of spectrum, with a bid of US$462 million. The other licences were won by Vodafone and Avea with bids of US$323 million and US$276 million respectively. This auction was Turkey's second attempt at awarding 3G licences; the 2007 auction was cancelled after Vodafone and Avea refused to participate unless the Government mandated number portability as part of the deal.

For more on this story go to Cellular News

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