Turkcell Subscriber Base Jumps Nearly a Third

Turkey's Turkcell has announced a 29% increase in its overall customer base to 15.7 million as of December 31, 2002, from 12.2 million subscribers the year before. In the last quarter of 2002, Turkcell acquired approximately 843,000 net new subscribers. The overall subscriber base consisted of 4.7 million postpaid and 11 million prepaid subscribers as of year-end 2002. New gross subscribers acquired in 2002 consisted of 90% prepaid and 10% postpaid subscribers.

Mr. Muzaffer Akpinar, CEO, noted that Turkcell's strong business dynamics combined with improved consumer sentiment in 2002 provided the Company with increased subscriber growth compared to 2001, despite continued political and economic volatility in 2002. "Our subscriber growth in 2002 was ahead of our initial expectations and we were able to acquire the majority of new subscribers in the Turkish mobile market in 2002 as a result of our customer focused strategies, consumer friendly services and innovative business approach," Mr. Akpinar said.

Turkcell targets a modest growth in its subscriber base in 2003. However, further instability in the region, aggressive pricing by its competitors and potential change in Turkey's macroeconomic policies may impact Turkcell's business plan in 2003. Realization of one or more of these risks may result in a less favorable business environment for Turkcell. Turkcell plans to monitor the market conditions carefully and take necessary actions to remain competitive and maintain its leadership position in the market during 2003."

Posted to the site on 15th January 2003