Tel-Sen demands transparency in fiber optic infrastructure protocol

The Public, Transport, Communication, Information Technology and Telecommunications Workers' Union (Tel-Sen) has raised concerns regarding a fiber optic infrastructure cooperation protocol signed between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Tel-Sen President Hakan Üredi stated that the union is not opposing the development of modern fiber infrastructure, but rather the lack of transparency and legal safeguards surrounding the agreement. Ahead of the parliamentary discussion of the supplementary protocol, Üredi called for the full text of the August 19 supplementary protocol and a comparative document showing changes from the original protocol to be released to the public.

Key concerns cited by the union include the 25-year operating period, powers granted to investors, potential exclusivity regarding internet traffic and fiber maintenance, and data security. Üredi emphasized the need for public access to feasibility studies, committee reports, and legal analyses to address previous judicial and constitutional challenges.