The Turkish Telecommunications Authority has revoked the 3G license granted to Turkcell, after three other licenses remained unbid for following the closure of the tender period on 7 September.
Turkcell offered US$511 million for a Type A Third Generation license and pledged payment in advance. The remaining licenses were not issued due to the absence of any other participants in the tender.
Sureyya Ciliv, Turkcell's CEO, said: "We are disappointed that the license was cancelled and hope the Turkish Telecommunications Authority determines to reschedule the 3G license tender at the earliest opportunity.
"By delaying Turkey's capacity to use this advanced technology, the decision to cancel the 3G license risks depriving the country of a key technological competitive advantage. Turkcell has been preparing for three years to offer 3G technology to our people and our customers, and will continue to take the lead in our investment in the future of Turkey. "