Turkey has given the go ahead for four 3G licences with tenders to be launched in six months, the official gazette said Friday.

The Turkish government set the minimum prices for the four types of licence at Eur252m (£169.6m), Eur224m, Eur194m and Eur140m according to the gazette. Initially four licences will be offered but if demand is high, more could be issued.

According to the gazette, the licences will give operating rights for 20 years and is subject to operator providing coverage – minus roaming – to at least 25 per cent of the population within three years and 50 percent within five years.