Turkcell Eyes $3 Billion Investment as Türk Telekom’s Fiber Infrastructure Monopoly Nears End
turkcell-superonline
In what is expected to be one of the largest telecom tenders in Turkish Republic history, Turkcell is preparing to invest $3 billion in acquiring fiber infrastructure operating rights, as Türk Telekom’s concession is set to expire in 2026.
Sources within Turkcell confirmed to CNBC-e that the company has finalized its internal preparations and is ready to place a multi-billion-dollar bid in the upcoming tender. This bold move signals Turkcell’s ambition to become the primary operator of Türkiye’s fixed broadband infrastructure in the post-Türk Telekom era.
Strategic Financing Aligns with Fiber Network Goals
Company insiders noted that recent financing arrangements were aligned with this strategic infrastructure goal, highlighting the importance of the tender in Turkcell’s long-term plans. If successful, the new concession would grant Turkcell operational control over a vast portion of Türkiye’s fixed telecom backbone, a role currently held by Türk Telekom.
BOTAŞ Deal Hints at Valuation Model
This move comes shortly after Turkcell Superonline secured a major deal with BOTAŞ, Türkiye’s state-owned pipeline company. Turkcell won the tender to lease fiber-optic strands from BOTAŞ’s infrastructure, with a $25.5 million annual payment over 15 years forming the basis of the renewed agreement.
Insiders suggest that this BOTAŞ deal — which covers approximately 17,500 kilometers of fiber-optic lines — is being used as a benchmark in assessing the upcoming nationwide fiber infrastructure bid. In comparison, Türk Telekom currently controls a staggering 474,000 kilometers of fiber lines under its concession.
Turkcell’s aggressive positioning reflects a new chapter in Türkiye’s telecom sector, potentially reshaping digital infrastructure development and access nationwide.