World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkey's existing three mobile operators, Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea have won rights to the 4.5G network, in the tender by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority on Wednesday. 

Another bidder, Netgsm, declined to make an offer.

There are 20 packets up for tender in this offer, each comprising different frequencies in the total available spectrum licensed by the Authority. Frequency-division duplexing (FDD) means that the transmitter and receiver operate at different carrier frequencies. 

Vodafone Turkey was the highest bidder for packet A1 at 800 MHz FDD of  Turkish mobile spectrum, offering €390 million ($446.8 million). 

Avea was the highest bidder for packet A2 at 800 MHz FDD, offering €380 million ($435.4 million),  and Turkcell was the highest bidder for packet A3 at 800 MHz FDD, bidding €373 million.

The minimum price was set at €373 million for the A1, A2 and A3 packets. 

Avea was highest bidder on packet B1 for 900 MHz FDD, offering €216.8 million.  Vodafone and Turkcell bid the same amount for  packet B2 at 900 MHz FDD. After new bids were requested, Vodafone won with €40 million which was minimum price was set by the communication regulator.

The new network will offer consumers the ability to use new technologies, including 5G, providing faster surfing, downloads and uploads as well as improved calling. The total amount of spectrum available will be increased by three times.

The rights to the frequencies will last until April 30, 2029.