The Information Technologies and Communications Board (BTK) had decided in June 2008 that Turkish fixed-line users would be required to obtain a number with a newly created area code before signing up for a new number with an alternative provider. Turkish Competitive Telco Operators Association (TELKODER) launched a court case in order to overturn BTK’s decision to not allow use of the same area codes, which they argued would also cause confusion in the market.
There are presently 82 area codes in Turkey and the anticipated change would mean doubling the number of area codes since each area would have two codes, TELKODER suggested.
Observers have separately argued that mathematically there is a large excess of numbers under the existing area code system and that it is pointless to have to take out new numbers. Some, on the other hand, said it would actually serve to increase fixed-line telephony penetration in Turkey.
The Council of State, in their statement concerning the decision, said the alternative providers should offer their services through the already existing area codes, which will maintain balance in the market. The application is therefore contrary to a national numbering plan -- which regulates the division of codes into areas -- the statement read.
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