Telecom giants in Istanbul meeting
Domestic and global telecommunications operators with turnover of close to 400 billion euros gathered for an event organized by Türk Telekom in Istanbul on Thursday to develop ideas on “sustainable online trade models.”
Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News, Hakam Kanafani, chief executive officer of Türk Telekom, said customer expectations were changing in parallel with technological development.
“I think the most important thing is to understand the reasons why we are speaking about the new ideas and models. The reason is not only that technology is changing but that the customer is changing,” Kanafani said. “The age of mass media is over. The customer wants something individual. Therefore, telecom companies have to change and should seek opportunities.”
The South Asia, Middle East and North Africa Telecommunications Council, or SAMENA, which has 150 billion euros of annual turnover, and the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association, or ETNO, with turnover of around 250 billion euros, attended the meeting.
The SAMENA embodies more than 40 telecommunication operators and 470 million mobile phone users and 12 million broad band users, while the ETNO covers 35 European countries and 40 member companies.
Speaking at a press conference at the event, Kanafani said connecting the west and east with its geographical position, Turkey served as a bridge in cultural, commercial and technological fields. “This event will be an important step for telecom operators and producers to develop sustainable online business models and strategies.”
Noting that they had realized an opportunity to explain Türk Telekom’s approach to global operators, Kanafani said: “This meeting will contribute to Turkey’s target to become a regional telecommunication center. Thanks to the organization, we believe Turkey’s position of regional power will be strengthened.”
June 10, 2011
SOURCE: Hürriyet Daily News
