Turkcell Superonline: Difference between revisions
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Turkcell Superonline is a Turkcell subsidiary that provides various telecommunications services, primarily fibre internet, over its own infrastructure.<ref>[https://www.superonline.net/wholesale/overview/company-brief Turkcell Superonline Company Brief]</ref> Superonline is offering fibre broadband in 28 cities.<ref>[https://www.edgeir.com/turkcell-boosts-streaming-experience-in-turkey-with-qwilts-edge-cloud-and-cisco-infrastructure-20240222 Turkcell Boosts Streaming Experience with Qwilt's Edge Cloud]</ref> Superonline has been recognized as the "Fastest Growing ICT Company for the last 3 years" according to ICT500/Turkey listings.<ref>[https://cloudscene.com/service-provider/turkcell-superonline Turkcell Superonline - Cloudscene Profile]</ref> | [https://superonline.net Turkcell Superonline] is a [https://www.turkcell.com.tr/ Turkcell] subsidiary that provides various telecommunications services, primarily fibre internet, over its own infrastructure.<ref>[https://www.superonline.net/wholesale/overview/company-brief Turkcell Superonline Company Brief]</ref> Superonline is offering fibre broadband in 28 cities.<ref>[https://www.edgeir.com/turkcell-boosts-streaming-experience-in-turkey-with-qwilts-edge-cloud-and-cisco-infrastructure-20240222 Turkcell Boosts Streaming Experience with Qwilt's Edge Cloud]</ref> Superonline has been recognized as the "Fastest Growing ICT Company for the last 3 years" according to ICT500/Turkey listings.<ref>[https://cloudscene.com/service-provider/turkcell-superonline Turkcell Superonline - Cloudscene Profile]</ref> | ||
As of Q1 2019, Turkcell has 41.6% of all mobile phone users in Turkey.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkcell Turkcell - Wikipedia]</ref> In October 2020, TVF Bilgi Teknolojileri Iletisim Hizmetleri Yatirim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. a subsidiary of Turkey Wealth Fund, the wealth fund of the Republic of Turkey, acquired control of 26.2% of Turkcell.<ref>[https://www.tvf.com.tr/en/contact/disclosures/2020/turkiye-wealth-fund-agrees-to-acquire-control-of-turkcell Türkiye Wealth Fund Agrees to Acquire Control of Turkcell]</ref> | As of Q1 2019, Turkcell has 41.6% of all mobile phone users in Turkey.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkcell Turkcell - Wikipedia]</ref> In October 2020, TVF Bilgi Teknolojileri Iletisim Hizmetleri Yatirim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. a subsidiary of Turkey Wealth Fund, the wealth fund of the Republic of Turkey, acquired control of 26.2% of Turkcell.<ref>[https://www.tvf.com.tr/en/contact/disclosures/2020/turkiye-wealth-fund-agrees-to-acquire-control-of-turkcell Türkiye Wealth Fund Agrees to Acquire Control of Turkcell]</ref> | ||
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==Consumer-impact summary== | ==Consumer-impact summary== | ||
User freedom faces substantial restrictions as Turkey implements | User freedom faces substantial restrictions as Turkey implements internet policies that affect all ISPs including Superonline, with the government's [https://www.btk.gov.tr Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK)] collecting user data regularly including location data, browsing history, and messaging communications.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> According to Freedom House's assessment, Turkey's internet status is classified as "Not Free" with extensive government control over digital communications affecting service providers like Superonline.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey |title=Turkey Overview |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=31 March 2025 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> | ||
[[File:BTK.png|thumb|221x221px|Logo of the BTK]] | |||
User privacy concerns are exacerbated by Superonline's extensive data collection practices, processing personally identifiable information, contact data, subscription details, network traffic, location data, payment information, and usage patterns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-world/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom in the World 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=4 November 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
Superonline operates as the largest alternative ISP with approximately 15% of the broadband market share in 2021, positioning itself as the leading challenger to dominant player Türk Telekom which holds 65.3% market share.<ref>[https://www.btk.gov.tr/uploads/pages/pazar-verileri/ceyrek-raporu-2021-4-ceyrek-22-03-21-kurum-disi.pdf BTK Market Share Statistics 2021 Q4]</ref> | |||
==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
===Blue Coat Incident (2013)=== | === Fair Usage Terms Incident (2012-2019) === | ||
Turkcell Superonline started to implement the so-called "Fair Usage Terms" in February 2012. Accordingly, in the data plans called "UNLIMITED", users were assigned a data download quota of 50GB in a one-month period. Users who exceed this quota will have their connection speed reduced to 1 Mbps. There was also a 10GB quota for uploading data. Even if a user does not exceed the 50GB data download quota, if they exceed the 10GB data sending quota, their connection speed was reduced to 10% of the data plans bandwidth. This practice of Superonline has received a huge reaction from users. However, Consumer Problems Arbitration Committees found Superonline's practice to be illegal and ruled in favor of the complaining consumers. This practice was terminated by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority on December 31, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wikipedia - Turkcell Superonline |url=https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkcell_Superonline#Adil_Kullan%C4%B1m_Ko%C5%9Fullar%C4%B1}}</ref> Superonline also has an ongoing practice of reducing the connection speed to 1 Mbps and charging a re-activation fee for users who are late in paying their bills.<ref>[https://seekingthesweetnessofiman.wordpress.com/2021/04/02/cancelling-your-turkcell-superonline-subscription/ Cancelling Your Turkcell Superonline Subscription]</ref> | |||
=== Blue Coat Incident (2013) === | |||
[[File:Blue Coat Systems.png|thumb|322x322px|Logo of Blue Coat Systems]] | [[File:Blue Coat Systems.png|thumb|322x322px|Logo of Blue Coat Systems]] | ||
There are allegations and discussions that Superonline uses Blue Coat products for censorship. Products manufactured by Blue Coat Systems are known as "dual-use" technologies that can be used to defend corporate networks, as well as by governments to censor the internet and monitor public internet traffic. These devices can see some encrypted traffic, block websites or record website traffic.<ref>[https://citizenlab.ca/2013/01/planet-blue-coat-mapping-global-censorship-and-surveillance-tools/ Planet Blue Coat: Mapping Global Censorship and Surveillance Tools]</ref> | There are allegations and discussions that Superonline uses Blue Coat products for censorship. Products manufactured by Blue Coat Systems are known as "dual-use" technologies that can be used to defend corporate networks, as well as by governments to censor the internet and monitor public internet traffic. These devices can see some encrypted traffic, block websites or record website traffic.<ref>[https://citizenlab.ca/2013/01/planet-blue-coat-mapping-global-censorship-and-surveillance-tools/ Planet Blue Coat: Mapping Global Censorship and Surveillance Tools]</ref> | ||
In 2011, a hacktivist group called Telecomix claimed that Syria was using Blue Coat Systems products to censor the internet and these allegations were investigated by the US government. Citizen Lab's research has also provided evidence of Blue Coat devices being used for censorship and surveillance in countries like Turkey and Syria.<ref>[https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/10/blue-coat-acknowledges-syrian-government-use-its-products Blue Coat: Concern for Criminal Penalties, Not Human Rights]</ref> | In 2011, a hacktivist group called Telecomix claimed that Syria was using Blue Coat Systems products to censor the internet and these allegations were investigated by the US government. Citizen Lab's research has also provided evidence of Blue Coat devices being used for censorship and surveillance in countries like Turkey and Syria.<ref>[https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/10/blue-coat-acknowledges-syrian-government-use-its-products Blue Coat: Concern for Criminal Penalties, Not Human Rights]</ref> | ||
===Injecting ads into websites (2017)=== | ===Injecting ads into websites (2017)=== | ||
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On February 6, 2023, the company was criticized for internet outages at critical moments during the massive earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Immediately after the earthquake disaster, the collapse of the internet infrastructure, which was critical for search and rescue operations and coordination, left both citizens and government agencies in a difficult situation. In the aftermath, Superonline was severely criticized for its lack of infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. | On February 6, 2023, the company was criticized for internet outages at critical moments during the massive earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Immediately after the earthquake disaster, the collapse of the internet infrastructure, which was critical for search and rescue operations and coordination, left both citizens and government agencies in a difficult situation. In the aftermath, Superonline was severely criticized for its lack of infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. | ||
The incident occurred within the context of Turkey's three-month state of emergency enacted in 11 provinces following the February 2023 earthquakes, which | The incident occurred within the context of Turkey's three-month state of emergency enacted in 11 provinces following the February 2023 earthquakes, which allowed the government to limit or suspend telecommunications access.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> There has also been controversy over the company's compliance with social media bans in Turkey during the earthquake, implemented under emergency powers that allowed authorities to take measures to prevent the circulation of information deemed false.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> The biggest criticism has been the restriction of communication opportunities for people trapped under the remains of the earthquake and putting lives at risk. Internet freedom advocates have criticized Superonline's quick implementation of these bans, especially when access restrictions are imposed on social media platforms which helped locating the individuals who are trapped.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2024 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2024 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=2024 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
=== Removing Discounts for Those Who Turn Off Data Collection === | |||
Users who choose to opt out of Turkcell's data collection practices through the Turkcell mobile app will no longer be able to view time-limited offers, which frequently include service discounts. Turkcell offers free mobile data usage for a month to users who consent to data collection after initially rejecting it. If the data collection is rejected once more, the free data usage will be terminated. Because they have already consented, users who consent to data collection first do not receive any rewards. | |||
===PPPoE/WAN Password Restrictions=== | ===PPPoE/WAN Password Restrictions=== | ||
[[File:HG255S Turkcell.png|thumb|Picture of HG255S modem provided by Turkcell | [[File:HG255S Turkcell.png|thumb|Picture of HG255S modem provided by Turkcell Superonline]] | ||
Turkcell Superonline does not disclose the PPPoE/WAN username and password of its users. This restricts the freedom of users to use their own modems instead of the modems rented to them by Superonline. Although some users try to obtain this password through various methods, it is reported to be very difficult or impossible to obtain, especially for some modem models (e.g. HG255s). It is stated by users that even if the PPPoE username and password are known, the internet service provider (ISP) must register the MAC address of the new modem in its system, otherwise the modem cannot be used. This can be bypassed by cloning rented modems MAC addresses.<ref>[https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wan/isp-configurations OpenWrt Wiki - ISP Configurations]</ref> | Turkcell Superonline does not disclose the PPPoE/WAN username and password of its users. This restricts the freedom of users to use their own modems instead of the modems rented to them by Superonline. Although some users try to obtain this password through various methods, it is reported to be very difficult or impossible to obtain, especially for some modem models (e.g. HG255s). It is stated by users that even if the PPPoE username and password are known, the internet service provider (ISP) must register the MAC address of the new modem in its system, otherwise the modem cannot be used. This can be bypassed by cloning rented modems MAC addresses.<ref>[https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wan/isp-configurations OpenWrt Wiki - ISP Configurations]</ref> | ||
===Disabling Root Accounts and Firmware Restrictions=== | ===Disabling Root Accounts and Firmware Restrictions=== | ||
[[File:RouterUINoOptions.png|thumb|Superonline Removes the Backup and Update Options from the Modem Interface]] | |||
Turkcell Superonline's decision to restrict or completely disable access to the root account on the modems it rents to its users has sparked controversy among users. Superonline does not allow the use of third party modems. The firmware of the modems provided by Superonline is often customized and restricted, preventing users from gaining root access via web interface, telnet or ssh. One of the main reasons for this is that modem firmware updates and management are centralized by Superonline. It is argued that this centralized management may become more difficult if users have root access. While some users have stated that they need root access to configure their modem's settings in more detail, to install alternative firmware (like OpenWRT or Asus Merlin Firmware), or to enable/disable certain features, they have encountered this restriction by Superonline. In particular, some modem models are reported to disable features such as backups and manual updates via files in order to make it more difficult to obtain the root password. Some modem models have also been reported to disable the ability to change the main DNS server.<ref>[https://wf.lavatech.top/ave/router-misadventures Router Misadventures: Dumping Superonline's ISP Fiber Router]</ref> | Turkcell Superonline's decision to restrict or completely disable access to the root account on the modems it rents to its users has sparked controversy among users. Superonline does not allow the use of third party modems. The firmware of the modems provided by Superonline is often customized and restricted, preventing users from gaining root access via web interface, telnet or ssh. One of the main reasons for this is that modem firmware updates and management are centralized by Superonline. It is argued that this centralized management may become more difficult if users have root access. While some users have stated that they need root access to configure their modem's settings in more detail (for example QoS and Easy Setup features are removed from modem interface), to install alternative firmware (like OpenWRT or Asus Merlin Firmware), or to enable/disable certain features, they have encountered this restriction by Superonline. In particular, some modem models are reported to disable features such as backups and manual updates via files in order to make it more difficult to obtain the root password. Some modem models have also been reported to disable the ability to change the main DNS server.<ref>[https://wf.lavatech.top/ave/router-misadventures Router Misadventures: Dumping Superonline's ISP Fiber Router]</ref> | ||
===Censorship Using Deep Packet Inspection=== | ===Censorship Using Deep Packet Inspection=== | ||
Superonline is one of the most active utilizers of deep packet inspection (DPI) technology among internet service providers in Turkey, operating within a regulatory environment that Freedom House describes as systematically restricting online freedoms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> With this technology, Superonline applies content-based censorship by analyzing users' internet traffic in detail.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey |title=Turkey Overview |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=31 March 2025 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
Superonline is one of the most active utilizers of deep packet inspection (DPI) technology among internet service providers in Turkey, operating within a regulatory environment that Freedom House describes as systematically restricting online freedoms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2023 |title=Turkey: Freedom on the Net 2023 |website=Freedom House |publisher=Freedom House |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> With this technology, Superonline applies content-based censorship by analyzing users' internet traffic in detail | |||
Unlike traditional packet inspection, DPI technology also scans the content of data packets and provides the ability to detect and block VPN protocols. According to user reports, Superonline has one of the most strictly censored internet service in Turkey, and in the past has taken measures strict enough to completely block VPN protocols such as WireGuard. It also blocks or throttles popular VPN services and their websites such as Cloudflare Warp | Unlike traditional packet inspection, DPI technology also scans the content of data packets and provides the ability to detect and block VPN protocols. According to user reports, Superonline has one of the most strictly censored internet service in Turkey, and in the past has taken measures strict enough to completely block VPN protocols such as WireGuard. It also blocks or throttles popular VPN services and their websites such as Cloudflare Warp, ProtonVPN, Surfshark, Psiphon, NordVPN, IPVanish/SpeedtestVPN and constantly tightens its DPI-based scanning systems. There is also allegations that Superonline using DNS poisoning to block certain websites. They were blocking some third party DNS services in the past. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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