Massive price hikes by Turkish mobile operators spark nationwide outrage

Customers across Türkiye are expressing outrage over significant price hikes by leading Turkish mobile operators – Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom.

Users have flooded social media platforms with complaints, reporting unprecedented increases in their mobile tariffs.

Mobile tariffs increase by 500% over 2 years

Many customers report that mobile tariffs have increased by nearly 500% over the past two years.

• One customer shared, "Last year, I paid ₺72 (approximately $2.12) for my package; this year, they want ₺318 (approximately $9.36). That's a 440% increase!"
• Another customer said their monthly bill jumped from ₺265 ($7.80) to ₺1,200 ($35.34) in August.

Inconsistent pricing, unfair practices fuel frustration

Customers are frustrated by inconsistent pricing practices among the operators.

• The same mobile package is reportedly being sold at different prices to different customers.
• One user complained, "GSM operators sell a ₺340 ($10.01) package to some customers and the same package for ₺550 ($16.19) to others. Someone needs to stop this; we invite the authorities to take action."

The hashtag "#OperatorSoygunu" (operator robbery) is trending on social media, with users calling for immediate tariff reductions and urging authorities to intervene.

• Consumers argue that while their incomes remain stagnant, the cost of essential services like mobile communication has become increasingly burdensome.

Comparing mobile packages: Vodafone, Turkcell, Turk Telekom tariffs

Customers looking for the best mobile packages may find it challenging due to the recent price hikes. Below is a comparison of some popular tariffs from the three major operators:

Operator

Package

Data

Calls & SMS

Monthly Price (12-month commitment)

Monthly Price (No commitment)

Vodafone

Dijitale Ozel 20 GB

20 GB

1000 mins + 250 SMS

₺400

₺719

Turkcell

Star + 20 GB

20 GB

2000 mins + 500 SMS

₺550

₺700

Turk Telekom

Asimsiz Prime Dusun 25+5 GB

30 GB

3000 mins + 250 SMS

₺670

₺1,315

Vodafone

Dijitale Ozel 30 GB

30 GB

1000 mins + 250 SMS

₺485

₺872

Turkcell

Platinum Star+ 30 Paketi

30 GB

2500 mins + 500 SMS

₺650

₺850

Turk Telekom

Asimsiz Prime Dusun 30+10 GB

40 GB

3000 mins + 250 SMS

₺725

₺1,425

Turkcell

Platinum Star+ 40 Paketi

40 GB

2500 mins + 500 SMS

₺750

₺950

Vodafone

Red Sinirsiz Video - 40GB

40 GB

2500 mins + 250 SMS

₺599 ($17.64)

₺1,190

The chart shows various telecom brands with their data plans, Sept. 18, 2024.

What are Turkish mobile operators saying about increase in prices?

Turk Telekom CEO Umit Onal responded to the price hike complaints by suggesting that internet tariffs in Türkiye are relatively inexpensive. He stated, "If we consider that a family of four consumes five to eight bottles of water per month, and make an analogy, saying 'internet tariffs in Türkiye are cheaper than water' wouldn't be wrong."

He also addressed the issue of sudden price increases: "Our citizens encountered small price increases every time they went to the market. However, in our sector, we have annual commitments. The claims of 200% or 300% price hikes reflected on social media are not accurate. Consumers naturally face price increases during renewal periods due to inflation calculations within annual commitments. We strive not to victimize consumers here."

Why it matters

The sharp price increases are impacting both residents and visitors in Türkiye.

• Tourists and expatriates relying on local mobile services may encounter unexpected costs.
• Mobile communication is considered a basic necessity, and these price hikes are affecting people's ability to stay connected.

Bottom line

As discontent grows, customers are urging Turkish mobile operators to reconsider the price hikes and implement fair pricing systems in mobile tarrifs. They are also calling on regulatory authorities to address the issue. The situation remains a significant concern for both locals and visitors in Türkiye.

September 18, 2024 06:01 PM GMT+03:00