Turkish wireless operator Turkcell added 4.5 million net new customers to its ranks in 2005 to take its total to 27.9 million at the end of December. Usage increased by 4% to 67.7 minutes (up from 64.9 minutes) helping revenues jump 33% to USD4.3 billion (USD3.2 billion). EBITDA rose to USD1.93 billion (USD1.34 billion). Net income rose 78% to USD910.9 million (USD511.8 million).
During the course of the year Turkcell increased coverage of its EDGE network to 50% of the population, and in 2006 it plans to channel a further USD350 million into new infrastructure investments. The company expects to take part in the forthcoming auction of 3G licences, which could go ahead in 2006. Internationally, Turkcell’s Ukrainian operation Astelit boasted 2.46 million GSM customers at the end of the year, with coverage of 66% of the population.