Fiber network debate heats up in Turkey ahead of crucial launch of 4.5G

Türk Telekom has refused to agree to a joint fiber investment offer from other leading communications companies, Vodafone and Turkcell, stirring a debate over who will build fiber networks in the country, which has set ambitious targets in the sector. 

Fiber technology is the most critical aspect of the launch of advanced 4G technologies, dubbed 4.5G technologies in Turkey, in line with several adaptations. As the countdown continues to April 2016, when 4.5G technology is expected to be available for consumers, the government has remained silent on regulations to accelerate investments in fiber infrastructure, while telecommunications companies have failed to agree on the sharing of current and planned fiber infrastructure. 

Türk Telekom recently rejected a joint investment offer by Turkcell and Vodafone. 

In September, Turkcell CEO Kaan Terzio?lu called on other operators to establish an infrastructure company and transfer all their fiber networks to the new company. 

Speaking at a press meeting in the Central Anatolian province of Eski?ehir on Dec. 23, Senior Vice President Murat Erkan said the number of cities in which Turkcell offers its fiber service had reached 14. 

"Turkcell has so far installed 34,600 kilometers of fiber optic networks. We are ready to make it available for the infrastructure company we are proposing in line with Turkey's future and interests," said Erkan. 

Last week, Vodafone CEO Gökhan Ö?üt supported Terzio?lu's call. "We have been sharing 5,000 base stations for mobile services. The same partnership could be applied to fiber. We are ready for such sharing," Ö?üt said. 

Türk Telekom Group CEO Rami Aslan, however, said the group had already been investing for 10 years, adding...