Turkcell tops Turkey’s 3G auction for US$462 million

Turkey’s largest mobile operator Turkcell has won the largest block or ‘A licence’ of 3G spectrum with a bid of US$462 million in the country’s auction. The reserve price was set at US$405 million.

Vodafone and Avea also won licences for lower 3G bandwidths, with bids of US$323 million and US$276 million respectively.

Turkcell expects to launch its 3G network by mid-2009, while Avea previously stated its network was ready as soon as the licence was available.

An original tender was set in 2007, but Vodafone and Avea refused to participate unless mobile number portability was also offered. Turkcell’s 3G licence was cancelled due to lack of competition. Mobile portability is due to be launched in the country by the end of the year.

Turkcell leads the mobile market with a 60 per cent market share.