The developments in the field of mobile communication in Türkiye significantly changed subscriber preferences and operator behaviors. According to BTHABER writer Kemalettin Bulamacı; Turkcell, Türk Telekom and Vodafone, instead of keeping the subscribers who have been serving within their own structure for many years, has turned to preparing special tariffs for new users from other operators. This is clearly seen in the process in which users who have ended their commitment have expired. Users who could not find a suitable package in existing operators, began to turn to prices offered by counter operators.
The picture of the subscribers is quite striking. The tariffs of the same content are offered to the existing user at a price, while those who carry their line are given almost half the price. For example, Turkcell’s Star+5GB tariff is offered to the existing user from 560 pounds without a commitment, while those who carry the number can have the same content from 200 pounds. Similarly, Vodafone and Türk Telekom have serious price differences in packages for new subscribers. These differences bring about justice discussions among consumers.
The discounted prices provided to the user who switches from a different operator are almost half the fee of the loyal subscriber. This often leads consumers to change the operators. The same user can evaluate the campaigns of three different operators in order to carry out number several times a year. However, this method both damage consumer loyalty and makes it difficult for companies’ long -term user relations.
Tariffs without contracted, expensive, transport tariffs remained cheap
Türk Telekom’s “Mobile Digital” tariffs offer a total of 6 GB internet, including 2 GB social media use, while the monthly commitment price is 210 pounds. Similarly, Vodafone’s budget -friendly tariff containing 4 GB internet is offered to new subscribers starting from 270 TL. In addition, the fact that unauthorized prices are up to 560 TL is one of the most important factors that motivate users in the direction of transportation. Especially young users and segments with high price sensitivity show great interest in these campaigns.
Campaigns offered over the transported lines are not limited to starting tariffs. In packages containing 10 GB, 20 GB or even 60 GB of data, price differences are also protected in the same way. For example, Turkcell’s 60 GB internet tariff is offered to 420 pounds for those who carry the number, while the undisclaused version can go up to 1000 pounds. Türk Telekom and Vodafone also market similar sized tariffs to users who change operators at special prices.
Another effect of these price differences was the weakening of the commitment of users to operators. For many years with an operator, users are now looking for advantageous tariffs by checking the campaigns every year. This poses a risk, especially for companies that do not reward the loyalty of old subscribers. As companies continue to highlight tariffs for the new subscriber, existing users can feel excluded.
The financial aspect of a new line does not seem to be ignored. Technically, the number of 570 TL and 258 TL radio license fee is obliged to pay for new line areas, although the number transport is free of charge. In addition, some operators also demand the SIM card fee. In addition to all these, each user continues to receive a radio fee of 21.50 TL per month.
The situation on Turkcell side is a little more complex. In the first quarter of 2025, the company has lost approximately 100,000 postpaid subscribers when excluding the subscriptions of communication between machinery (M2M). Although the total number of subscribers seems to have remained at the level of 38.3 million, this balance is achieved by the increase in M2M subscriptions. In fact, there is a loss on the individual user side.
Vodafone Turkey is no different. As of 2025, the number of mobile subscribers has declined for the first time in the last five years and has declined to 25 million 229 thousand. Although the company announces 511 thousand net subscribers in the mobile segment, the table may be misleading due to M2M users included in this number. The important thing is the tendencies on the individual user side.
Türk Telekom exhibits a positive decomposition in this table. For the last 13 quarter, a total of 1.1 million new subscribers have won a total of 1.1 million new subscribers through transportation. Since the second half of 2024, this gain has been accelerated. As of March 2025, the number of mobile subscribers of Türk Telekom has increased to 27.9 million. It is noteworthy that this ascension stems from those who carry more number than the current loyal users.
This mobility in the field of mobile communication brings the question of whom operators will shape their campaigns. It remains unclear whether it will focus on holding the current user or attracting the new user. Tariff policies will show more clearly which direction this preference will shift in the coming months. In terms of mobile line users, each new commitment period means a decision that needs to be rethinking.