BTK takes action against mobile operators!

The collapse of mobile network lines following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 23 had caused significant public outcry.

On the other hand, following a flood of complaints from areas with poor reception, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has taken action. Aiming to improve mobile network services across Turkey, the BTK is establishing a new field inspection network that will ensure signal strength and service quality measurements are conducted across a wide range of locations, including city centers, rural areas, historical sites, organized industrial zones, tunnels, highways, and railway routes.

This step also signals serious sanctions for mobile operators that cause grievances for users.

According to a report by the pro-government Sabah newspaper, under the new draft regulation prepared by the BTK, private companies will be authorized to conduct coverage area and quality measurements on mobile communication networks. Thus, the performance of operators will be evaluated based on objective data rather than just verbal complaints. Measurements will be carried out both at fixed locations and while in motion on vehicles.

Vehicles conducting measurements in urban traffic will travel at speeds of 20 to 50 km/h, while those on intercity roads will travel at 80 to 120 km/h. Tests conducted at these speeds will reveal the real-time level of signal quality.

Under the system planned by the BTK, mobile operators that fail to provide sufficient service quality will face serious fines. Companies that do not improve signal access will be subject to administrative fines amounting to 0.2 percent of their gross sales revenue from the previous year. In other words, the issues will not be limited to mere detection; companies that fail to produce solutions will also face financial pressure.

Furthermore, the private firms conducting these measurements will not be exempt from responsibility. In the event that errors are detected in the tests performed, a fine equal to 20 times the cost of the authorization certificate issued to the relevant firm will be imposed. This will increase the reliability of both the auditing and the audited system.

News Source: 12punto