4.6 million mobile users successfully switch to new operators in Turkey

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: In Turkey, mobile number portability sees 5.5 million switch, si8nce its introduction on Nov. 10, 2008. GSM operators anticipate to see a further increase in this number following the introduction of third generation (3G) services by the end of this month. Science Technologies and Communication Council (BTK) President Tayfun Acarer said the speed of the number portability process was relatively higher in Turkey than in European countries. In Turkey, 8 percent of all mobile users have switched networks in eight-and-a-half months, while EU countries spent four or five years to reach the same level. We are continuing nonstop, and the rate will reach 10 percent in a short time.” Acarer said out of 5.5 million who attempted to take advantage of the new application, some 4.6 million have successfully switched to new operators, while the remaining 200,000 were still waiting for the application process to be completed, adding that the system was running smoothly. Mentioning unsteady subscribers” who continuously switch from one operator to another without paying their bills, Acarer said such activities cause companies to lose a considerable amount of money, noting: We have met with the operator managers on the issue, and they have taken certain measures to avoid such abuses. A subscriber will not be able to switch to another before staying with that provider for three months. This regulation will help minimize ‘habitual crimes.’” Acarer said the number of subscribers makes up just 2 percent of the 67.5 million cell phone subscribers in Turkey.

BTK head states that With a number of newly introduced promotions, subscribers can have the chance to make calls for cheaper prices than ever before.”