ISTANBUL, January 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Turkcell (NYSE: TKC, ISE: TCELL), the leading communications and technology company in Turkey, announced today that it will collaborate with Turkey's Directorate General of Coastal Safety for its pioneering "Remote Management of Lighthouses" project. This project will bring the latest technology to lighthouses and also reinforce existing infrastructure. The contract was signed by Sureyya Ciliv, Turkcell CEO, and Salih Orakci, Director General for Coastal Safety.

During the first phase of the project, Turkcell will provide communication between 185 lighthouses and the control center based in Istanbul. The number of lighthouses connected will reach 430 by the end of 2011. Turkcell's best quality, wide coverage will allow seamless data transfer between lighthouses while decreasing the communication distance between lighthouses and boats by 10 times. Through the automated definition system, the project will enable vessels to receive up-to-date information on the weather, sea and traffic.

Turkcell CEO Sureyya Ciliv said: "We are proud to cover almost 100% of Turkish coasts, contributing to the safety of our coastlines. Our ability to deliver mobile coverage and communication even in remote locations allows us to provide a strong communication infrastructure for lighthouses. Thanks to our customer focus, we are happy to provide tailor made and unique solutions based on specific customer needs. This Remote Management of Lighthouses project is one of the best examples of this approach."

According to statistics provided by The Minister of Transport, Binali Yildirim, 55,000 to 60,000 vessels or boats pass through the Bosphoruses every year and a modern traffic information system between Istanbul and Canakkale channels has been established. Minister Yildirim stated that: "The Directorate General of Coastal Safety, through its partnership with Turkcell, will be able to communicate with 185 lighthouses from the control center. Hence, vessels will be able to receive data from the lighthouses from 50 miles instead of 5 miles."

ABOUT TURKCELL

Turkcell is the leading Mobile operator in Turkey with 36.0 million postpaid and prepaid customers as of September 30, 2009 operating in a three player market with a market share of approximately 56% as of September 30, 2009 (Source: operators' announcements). Turkcell, is the technology leader providing EDGE technology across the country. Turkcell also provides high quality data and voice services to 65% of the population (as at 30 September 2009) through the implementation of its 3G technology. Turkcell provides roaming with 628 operators in 206 countries as of September 18, 2009. Serving a large subscriber base in Turkey with its high-quality wireless telephone network, Turkcell reported $1.6 billion net revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as per IFRS financial statements. Turkcell has interests in international Mobile operations in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Northern Cyprus and Ukraine and together with Turkey had approximately 61.9 million subscribers as of September 30, 2009. Turkcell has been listed on the NYSE ("New York Stock Exchange") and the ISE ("Istanbul Stock Exchange") since July 2000 and is the only NYSE listed company in Turkey. 51.00% of Turkcell's share capital is held by Turkcell Holding, 0.05% by Cukurova Group, 13.07% by Sonera Holding, 2.32% by M.V. Group and 0.08% by others while the remaining 33.48% is free float.



    For further information please contact Turkcell

    Nihat Narin, Investor and International Media Relations
    Tel: +90-212-313-1244
    Email: nihat.narin@turkcell.com.tr

    Sahver Binici, Investor and International Media Relations
    Tel: +90-212-313-2239
    Email: sahver.binici@turkcell.com.tr
    investor.relations@turkcell.com.tr

    http://www.turkcell.com.tr

SOURCE Turkcell