Information and Communication Technologies Authority President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan met with the “Shared Radio Service Operators.” Sector-related issues were discussed at the meeting, and documents were presented to the operators.
The “Sector Meeting on Shared Radio Service” held at the Information and Communication Technologies Authority was attended by BTK President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Board Members, Authority Vice Presidents, and numerous sector representatives.
Beginning his speech by stating that the electronic communications sector, which is divided into many sub-branches, is of vital importance for the country's economy and the future of nations, President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan said, “In particular, mobile electronic communication services and broadband internet services hold an important place on the national agendas. We must not forget that radio communication, which forms a significant part of your activities, was put into use before the 2G, 3G, and 4.5G technologies we use so extensively today and continues to be intensively used as a communication platform. Indeed, radio services were started to be offered in our country by our private sector since 1983, while GSM services began to be offered from 1994 onwards.”
Stating that there are a total of 451 operators operating in this field in Türkiye, Sayan shared the following figures with the users: “As of 2017, the total revenues of the sector are approximately 51.2 billion ₺.
In the first 3 months of 2018, total revenues were realized as 13.8 billion ₺, and the revenues of our Shared Radio Service operators in the same period were approximately 8.4 million ₺. Accordingly, while Shared Radio Service operators constitute 13% of our total operators, we see that their share from the sector is around 1%. However, the low share of the Shared Radio Service sector within the total sector does not eliminate its importance.”
We Will Work with All Our Might to Lead Technology
Reminding that radio services are the most effective communication tool especially used in group communications, Sayan said, “Today, we will hold discussions regarding Shared Radio Services, which address a more specific area, provide a more effective communication platform within the framework of the needs of the audience it serves, fixed or mobile services, and are preferred as an effective communication tool during natural disasters and crises. As BTK, we are working tirelessly, day and night, for the development of the electronic communications sector, increasing its contribution to the national economy, and transitioning from a country that follows technology to a country that leads technology. In this regard, we value all players in the sector and strive to make all necessary regulations at the optimal level to pave the way for the sector. One of the issues we attach the most importance to in these efforts is domestic production and nationalization. We all know that nothing that is not domestic and national belongs to us. If we conduct business relying on products produced by others, we believe we will be left stranded midway,” thereby drawing attention to BTK’s sensitivities on this matter.
Emphasizing the need for all actors in the electronic communications sector on the path to domestic and national production, Sayan said, “Creating a fair environment for all sectors within a competitive system is our duty as BTK; however, the greatest responsibility in the competition among actors within each sector naturally falls on you. Among the sectors that make up the electronic communications sector, you, the Shared Radio Service operators, are the biggest actor in the radio segment. We are aware of the weight of the work you do and the mission you undertake. We are evaluating the role of Shared Radio Service operators in this regard. We also want to receive your suggestions on these matters if any. Put forward your wishes for work and development in all areas, from R&D to contributions to the development of the Shared Radio Service sector; as BTK, we will stand by you and strive to solve any problems. We are working together to eliminate all obstacles in front of our sector.”
Underlining that the regulations regarding the allocation to Shared Radio Service operators have greatly contributed to the sector's development, Sayan said, “Pursuant to the Board decision we implemented, organizations applying to our institution for mobile radio communication are first directed to Shared Radio Service operators. The fundamental reason for inviting you here today is similar. As you know, with a Board Decision we took on May 22, 2018; the authorization model of Shared Radio Service operators was primarily changed, achieving a great simplification.”
Sayan also explained the factors causing delays in the processes as follows: “Previously, we were issuing an authorization document for each province or region where each operator wanted to provide service. For example, we had issued 53 authorization documents for one operator and 44 for another, and for each authorization document, we had repeatedly requested many pieces of information and documents that probably never change in the company, such as trade registry gazette, signature circular, rental contract, or land sample. This created excessive bureaucracy for both you and us. Now, each operator will be authorized to provide Shared Radio Service with a single “Unlimited Number Usage Right Authorization Document.” Subsequent local or regional frequency requests can be met by granting additional local or regional frequency usage rights. Another important innovation brought by the same Board Decision is the removal of the requirement to obtain prior permission from the Authority for frequency reuse and relay station relocations. Now, frequency reuse and relay station relocations can be made in the area where the frequency usage right is granted without permission from the Authority, and notification will be made to our Authority by the last business day of the following month.”
We Will Provide All Kinds of Contributions to the Sector's Development
Reiterating the emphasis that as an institution, they are working on every necessary issue to ensure the development, growth of the sector and operators, and increase their contributions to the country's economy, Sayan said, “We also expect more contribution, participation, and effort from you in this regard. Sometimes we witness problems arising from operators not knowing or not paying attention to the regulations. Our colleagues will provide more detailed information on these matters, but especially regarding being domestic and national, we think that Shared Radio Service operators should also be in pursuit, and we value the contributions you will make in this regard. We aim to increase R&D investments in the radio sector, one of the oldest sectors in our country, even more and to raise the domestic and nationalization rate in the radio sector to the highest levels, and we particularly support efforts in this area. I want to underline once again that as BTK, we will be by your side in every step you take in this direction,” concluding his speech.
Following the opening speech, Authorization Department Head Beytullah Kuşçu and Spectrum Management Department Head Afşin Büyükbaş made presentations. After the participants directed their questions to the authorities, authorization documents were presented to the companies.