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Turkey bans 8 global eSIM providers, curbing access for travelers
11.07.2024
By Turkish Minute
Source: https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/07/11/turkey-bans-8-global-esim-providers-curbing-access-for-travelers/
Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has blocked access to eight international eSIM providers, a move critics say pressures travelers into using domestic telecoms with close government ties, the Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) reported Friday.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is integrated into modern smartphones and tablets during manufacturing and can be remotely activated to switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. The technology allows travelers to avoid high roaming fees by purchasing local data plans quickly and easily.
According to İFÖD, BTK’s decision on Thursday blocked the websites of Saily, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim and BNESIM. These companies offer remotely programmable eSIMs that have become popular with Turkish travelers seeking affordable mobile data options while abroad.
“They had blocked everything else in Turkey; eSIMs were the only ones left,” Yaman Akdeniz, a lawyer, cyber rights expert and İFÖD co-founder, wrote in a post on X, referring to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
He described the move as an attempt to make travelers dependent on “our guys,” implying favoritism toward pro-government telecom operators.
The decision primarily affects Turkish citizens traveling internationally. The banned platforms allowed users to purchase affordable mobile data plans for foreign destinations before departure. By cutting access to these services within Turkey, the ban effectively forces travelers to rely on domestic carriers, which often charge higher roaming fees.
Critics argue that the move benefits major telecom companies with strong government connections, such as Türk Telekom and Turkcell. The Turkey Wealth Fund, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, holds a majority stake in Türk Telekom and owns 26.2 percent of Turkcell. The fund also has the authority to appoint key board members, giving the government significant influence over both companies.
Türk Telekom’s executive ranks have included former officials from ministries overseeing transportation, finance and communications, sectors closely tied to the AKP’s centralized economic governance. These ties have fueled suspicions that the eSIM ban is less about regulatory enforcement and more about consolidating control over the telecom sector by limiting access to cheaper, independent alternatives.
11.07.2024
By Turkish Minute
Source: https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/07/11/turkey-
Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has blocked access to eight international eSIM providers, a move critics say pressures travelers into using domestic telecoms with close government ties, the Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) reported Friday.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is integrated into modern smartphones and tablets during manufacturing and can be remotely activated to switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. The technology allows travelers to avoid high roaming fees by purchasing local data plans quickly and easily.
According to İFÖD, BTK’s decision on Thursday blocked the websites of Saily, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim and BNESIM. These companies offer remotely programmable eSIMs that have become popular with Turkish travelers seeking affordable mobile data options while abroad.
“They had blocked everything else in Turkey; eSIMs were the only ones left,” Yaman Akdeniz, a lawyer, cyber rights expert and İFÖD co-
He described the move as an attempt to make travelers dependent on “our guys,” implying favoritism toward pro-
The decision primarily affects Turkish citizens traveling internationally. The banned platforms allowed users to purchase affordable mobile data plans for foreign destinations before departure. By cutting access to these services within Turkey, the ban effectively forces travelers to rely on domestic carriers, which often charge higher roaming fees.
Critics argue that the move benefits major telecom companies with strong government connections, such as Türk Telekom and Turkcell. The Turkey Wealth Fund, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, holds a majority stake in Türk Telekom and owns 26.2 percent of Turkcell. The fund also has the authority to appoint key board members, giving the government significant influence over both companies.
Türk Telekom’s executive ranks have included former officials from ministries overseeing transportation, finance and communications, sectors closely tied to the AKP’s centralized economic governance. These ties have fueled suspicions that the eSIM ban is less about regulatory enforcement and more about consolidating control over the telecom sector by limiting access to cheaper, independent alternatives.