T3 Podcast | 30 Minutes for Instagram - Alper Güzel

Alper Güzel, Director of International Business Development and Planning at Türk Telekom discusses the key themes, important ideas, and critical realities shaping the telecommunications sector. The podcast focuses on data, recognized as today’s most valuable mineral, and its role in telecommunications.

The most prominent trend in telecommunications is the massive growth in data capacity and the shift from voice traffic to data traffic. While speeds of 10 Gbit/s were considered ultra-high a decade ago, connections of 100 Gbit/s are now commonplace.

Türkiye’s telecommunications sector has undergone a transition from dependence on foreign infrastructure to self-reliance. It now manages a 45,000-kilometer fiber optic network across 22 countries using its own infrastructure. This has positioned Türkiye as a nation capable of “data export” with the potential to become a regional data hub.

The decision by major data owners such as Google, Amazon and Facebook, as well as OTT platforms like Netflix and TikTok, to host servers in Türkiye has significantly contributed to its goal of becoming a “digital hub.” This keeps data within the country, reducing costs and enhancing security.

Türkiye’s telecommunications infrastructure remains open to further development and is undergoing significant transformation with increased participation from content providers. It is noted that data traffic will grow substantially in the future with the expansion of IoT (Internet of Things) and 5G technologies, creating demand for new services.

The podcast emphasizes that data is “today’s most valuable mineral.” Using the example of WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes, it highlights that users are beginning to recognize the value of their data and that platforms effectively treat users as the product.

The dual potential of data for both beneficial and harmful purposes underscores the importance of proper data management and security. The significance of legal frameworks such as the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK) and the urgent need for qualified human resources in this field are emphasized.

Within the framework of the National Technology Initiative, it is stressed that data must be retained within the country and that local alternatives such as BiP should be developed to counter platforms like WhatsApp. Young people are called upon to contribute to advancements in this field.