PRESS RELEASE

A Cooperation Protocol is signed between the Information and Communication Technologies Authority and the Competition Authority

As known, for the purposes of the establishment, development and protection of competition in the electronic communications sector, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) holds certain tasks and responsibilities under the Electronic Communications Act no 5809 (ECA), while the Competition Authority has certain tasks and responsibilities under the Act no 4054 on the Protection of Competition.

However; under paragraph two, article 7 of the ECA, it is provided that Competition Authority should first take into account the opinion and regulatory acts of the ICTA in its every decision concerning the electronic communications sector, while paragraph one, article 6 of the ECA, provides that ICTA should request the opinion of the Competition Authority on subjects related to infringements of competition within the electronic communications sector where specified by the legislation. Consequently, the provisions of the aforementioned Act require a certain level of cooperation and coordination between the two Authorities.

In practice, it was decided that, while there has been no problems in terms of coordination up to the present, it would be beneficial and necessary for both of the Authorities to implement a protocol in order to increase efficiency in ensuring the cooperation and coordination in question; accordingly, the "Cooperation protocol Between the Information and Communication Technologies Authority and the Competition Authority," prepared jointly by both of the Authorities, was put into force with the signature of the Presidents of the Authorities in the signing ceremony on 02.11.2011, with the attendance of the Board Members.

The aforementioned Protocol regulates the mechanisms to improve competition which are currently implemented between the Authorities and the efficiency of which will be increased in the future, in particular among them "Information exchange," "Requesting opinion," and "Coordination and cooperation."

Respectfully submitted for the information of the public.

Click here for the text of the Protocol (in Turkish).