Turkcell is aiming at having the fastest mobile data network in Europe, at least in its major cities. It has announced the integration of 3-Carrier (3C-HSDPA) technology to its 3G network, claiming to be the first mobile operator globally to have introduced the fast 3G technology.
The development follows the world’s first live trial of 3-Carrier technology, in which download speeds of up to 63.3 Mbps were achieved on the Turkcell network. Six months later, 3-Carrier is fully integrated into Turkcell’s 3G network in 81 Turkish cities, it says.
The network update also includes the integration of dual carrier upload technology (DC-HSUPA), through which users can experience up to 11.5 Mbps upload speeds in 3G - twice the current offering.
“At Turkcell, our goal is to provide customers with the world's cutting-edge technology using Turkey's strongest network. Upgrading our network to 3-Carrier technology will enable us to serve our customers with the fastest mobile internet in a country where the demand for data is rising exponentially. We are also getting ready for 4G as Turkey prepares to introduce this technology in 2015. Turkcell will continue to differentiate itself with its innovative approach and strong network in 2015," said Sureyya Ciliv, CEO of Turkcell.
Consumers who enjoy mobile internet on 3-Carrier will be able to download a video file of 700 MB in 1 minute and 29 seconds – a major improvement on HSPA+ Dual Carrier, with which the same download would take 2 minutes and 13 seconds, it says.