Turkey's mobile market

At end-2006, Turkey's mobile market totaled 52.5 million subscribers with a 75% penetration rate. This dynamic market grew 21% between 2005 and 2006. As market leader, Turckcell boasts a 60% market share (Telia Sonera has a 42,09% stake in Turkcell).

The number two operator, Telsim, has 27% market share and is owned by Vodafone (purchased in early 2006 for 4.55 billion dollars). Between 2003 and 2006, Telsim's market share rose 8 points.

In 2004, Avea became the third operator, as a result of a merger between Aria (former joint venture between TIM and Is Bank) and Aycell (former subsidiary of landline incumbent Turk Telecom). Avea is currently owned by Turk Telecom (an 81% stake). In November 2005, the Dubai-based operator, Oger Telecom, bought a 55% stake in Turk Telecom.