Broadband on the Bosphorus
This week I'm headed off to Istanbul, at the heart of the 11th largest Internet market in the world. Often overlooked, Turkey is a mini-BRIC in Internet and mobile usage, with almost 26 million of its citizens having access to the Web, over 5 million of which are connected via broadband. With over 66 million mobile subscriptions, the country is on par with some of Europe's largest mobile markets. According to CGAP, Turkey is one of the most progressive mobile money markets at the moment.
This should be a particular enlightening trip as I'm due to meet and speak with people involved with the Web and mobile media from all across Central Asia, where rapid growth is taking place across many communication channels, often against constraints ranging from expensive access to majority control of networks by governments in some countries.
I hope to report interesting observations and indicators of change throughout the week as the trip progresses. Stay tuned.
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