$100 million signature for Digital Island TRNC

Serkan Arman - A Fiber Transformation Protocol has been signed between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC ), enabling Türk Telekom to build the TRNC's fiber optic infrastructure and provide it with high-speed internet. With the signed protocol, 150,000 households in the TRNC will have high-speed fiber internet access via two submarine cables over the course of one year. The signing ceremony, held in the capital, Nicosia, was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Parliament Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Turkey's Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, Türk Telekom CEO Ümit Önal, and officials from both countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, TRNC President Tatar emphasized that the TRNC has taken its place in the world as an independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean, saying, "The TRNC has stepped into a new era with this protocol signed."

Tatar thanked Türk Telekom for investing in the TRNC, which is under embargo and restrictions, and noted that his country is moving confidently forward. TRNC Prime Minister Üstel also stated that with the establishment of fiber infrastructure, the TRNC is one step closer to its goal of becoming a " Digital Island ," adding that every home in the TRNC will have access to high-speed internet thanks to the fiber optic system.

Üstel stated that the protocol will not only provide high-speed internet access, but will also pave the way for the TRNC's digitalization and development in areas such as education , tourism, and software. He said, "This project is worth approximately $ 100 million. Within a year, a large portion of our country will have high-speed internet access. We are now making a breakthrough in tourism, education, and software. Tourists, students, and businesspeople from the United States will all have uninterrupted digital access. The island will become an island of informatics and software."

Digital backbone...

Türk Telekom CEO Önal stated in his speech that Türk Telekom plays a leading role in digital transformation with its robust fiber infrastructure, technological know-how, and its commitment to digital transformation. He said, "Just as we strengthened the foundation of digitalization in Turkey with our fiber infrastructure, we are now proud to contribute to the digital future of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We will transform the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to strengthen its digital backbone and bring fiber internet to businesses and homes."

Önal noted that the signed Fiber Transformation Protocol is a fiberization campaign that will support the digitalization of many areas, from education and the economy to healthcare and public services. He said, "As Türk Telekom, we are pleased to contribute our technology, knowledge, and robust infrastructure experience to the TRNC's digital transformation." Önal stated that with the signed protocol, 150,000 households in the TRNC will have access to high-speed fiber optic cable within one year, and that they are working in harmony with the TRNC Government.

To be completed within 1 year

The $100 million Fiber Transformation Protocol, which will provide the TRNC with fiber-optic infrastructure, access to high-speed internet services, a digital transformation, and a connection to the world via underwater fiber-optic cables, has been signed between Turkey and the TRNC. The protocol, which will connect residences in the TRNC to the internet via fiber cables within a year, was signed by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in the presence of TRNC President Ersin Tatar.