IMM made a request from BTK to extend the current internet frequency until the end of 2021, which will expire at the end of the year. If the frequency period is not extended, 4 million Istanbul residents will not be able to use WiFi. 20 million lira of public funds for internet use in the subways will be wasted and a new investment of 25 million lira will be required for the continuity of IMM services.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) sent two separate petitions to the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) on 2021 November and 30 December to extend the frequency lease term until the end of 21 in order to continue to provide WiFi service.
The frequency, which is vital for WiFi services to continue without interruption, was allocated to IMM in 2017. Using the existing frequency, IMM established a total of 44 base stations and 41 hand terminals, 85 on the Yenikapı - Hacıosman Metro and 335 on the metrobus line.
BTK did not give an official response regarding the extension of the frequency that will expire at the end of the month. However, 4 million Istanbul residents using IMM WiFi and thousands of passengers who want to use internet in the metro are waiting for the extension of the rental period.
In case the frequency time is not extended; 4 million citizens will no longer be able to use free internet via IMM WiFi. Internet usage will be a dream in the subway with all the infrastructure ready. The 20 million lira investment made by IMM will be wasted. The municipality will need to make an alternative investment of 25 million lira for internet services to continue. Thus, a total of 45 million lira of public resources will be wasted.
On the other hand, it does not seem possible to make all these investments quickly due to the Covid -19 epidemic that shook the whole world. During the pandemic period, when the end of the pandemic is uncertain, the continuity of IMM services and the continued use of free internet service by Istanbul residents will strengthen the trust of citizens in the public.
To read the petition dated 30 November sent by IMM to BTK Click...
To read the petition sent by IMM to BTK dated December 21 Click...
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