Turkish Networks to Merge

Turkey's two newest GSM networks, Aria and Aycell have agreed to merge their networks. In the newly merged entity, TIM and Turk Telecom will hold 40% of the new company, with IS Bank taking the remaining 20%. Currently, Aycell is wholey owned by the landline operator, Turk Telecom while Aria is 49% owned by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) and 51% owned by the local banking group, Is Bank.

Aria CEO Giuseppe Farina said; "This new entity, which will be ready to give full coverage all around Turkey very soon, will permit all consumers to have the opportunity to benefit at the same time from the innovative services, high technology and customer-oriented approach. While combining their strength, stance, know-how, and international experience through the integration between Aria and Aycell, another step for the improvement of real competition in the Telecommunication Sector has been established. This type of integration and consolidation is for the benefit of the economy."

While not confirmed, it has also been reported that Aria will drop a US$3 billion lawsuit against the telecoms regulator for not enforcing a national roaming agreement with the two incumbent networks."

Posted to the site on 15th May 2003