Fixed-line giant sets sights on mobile market with new product
In the face of cut-throat competition in the Turkish communications market following the introduction of third-generation (3G) technology, Turkey’s fixed-line giant Türk Telekom has intensified its quest to enter the mobile market with its latest product, dubbed Wirofon.
Enabling subscribers to make phone calls in a WiFi service coverage area, Wirofon offers “mobility to fixed lines.” Introducing the new product at a press conference in Antalya on Thursday, Türk Telekom General Manager Paul Doany said the company expected to regain some of its former subscribers who have switched to the 3G GSM network with Wirofon.
Noting that mobile services attract consumers and are replacing fixed lines, Doany said, “With this technology, we now expect to replace cell phones with fixed lines,” adding that they will shortly introduce the product to subscribers for use. Türk Telekom still has about 18 million home and work landline subscribers. The company has developed Wirofon with the technical support of their affiliate technology provider firm Argela.
“All of the Türk Telekom subscribers who have access to WiFi can benefit from this product. We offer them a cheaper way of communication,” Türk Telekom Marketing and Communications Manager Erem Demircan said. Argela General Manager Bülent Kaytaz said Wirofon will also offer video call services.
With Wirofon technology, it will be possible to connect to PC cameras via the Internet. Fixed line users will need to have a cell phone that has a WiFi connection feature or any computer that has an Internet connection to use this service. Subscribers will pay Kr 9 per minute for video calls, including taxes.
