To launch a call center, you need good software, agents and, of course, telephony. There are many SIP providers on the global market offering numbers that work via the internet without a physical line. But how do you choose the right one? In this article, we’ve gathered telecom operators providing SIP solutions in the Turkish market.
*This material is not promotional in nature. Oki-Toki does not represent the interests of the mentioned operators. Information is taken from public sources. Rates and terms should be clarified directly with the communication providers.
Features of telephony connection in Turkey
In Turkey, telephony connection requirements differ from European ones. It’s better to understand the rules in advance to avoid blocks and fines in the future.
BTK (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu) — is the state communications regulator in Turkey. It issues licenses, controls the communications market, sets rules for number usage, and monitors compliance with legislation.
According to BTK rules, a company needs a legal address in Turkey and a package of documents:
- Tax certificate (Vergi Levhası);
- Company registration documents;
- Document with authorized person’s signature (İmza Sirküleri).
If you don’t have a local presence, getting Turkish numbers is very difficult. In such cases, companies use international providers. They provide virtual numbers or access to Turkish destinations. However, such solutions may have limitations regarding legality of use, Caller ID, and inbound connection stability.
Phone number connection
Providers offer two telephony connection options:
- SIP registration (login/password);
- SIP trunk (IP authentication).
In practice, companies often use both options simultaneously.
Businesses use two types of numbers:
- universal for call centers (0850);
- geographic (0212 — Istanbul, 0312 — Ankara, etc.).
When connecting, you need to consider a number of limitations:
- the outbound call number (Caller ID) must belong to the company;
- number spoofing (CLI spoofing) may be blocked;
- some providers limit mass outbound traffic;
- call quality depends on routing within the country.
It’s important to consider legal requirements and limitations in advance to choose the right scheme for your call center’s tasks.
Data processing requirements
In Turkey, personal data is strictly monitored. The local law KVKK directly dictates how a call center should operate:
- Information (Aydınlatma): you must notify the client that the call is being recorded. Briefly explain why the voice is being recorded and where the privacy policy can be read;
- Data localization: most often companies choose providers with infrastructure in Turkey. However, with regulator approval, data can be stored on servers in other countries.
- Right to deletion: if a client requests deletion of a conversation recording or their information, this must be done within clearly established timeframes.
To ensure compliance with KVKK standards, processes need to be established in advance. Set up call recording notifications, determine how data will be stored and deleted.
Local SIP-Telephony providers
Local operators cover basic telephony tasks: numbers, SIP trunks, and domestic connectivity. However, such providers cannot be directly connected to the “cloud” like regular VoIP. You need to place your own gateway server between the PBX and the telecom operator.
Türk Telekom
Türk Telekom — Turkey’s national telecom operator. Provides corporate telephony services, including SIP trunk (IP Çoklu Hat), virtual numbers, and call routing within the country, in compliance with regulator requirements (BTK, Caller ID).
Turkcell Superonline
Turkcell Superonline — a Turkcell subsidiary. Services package includes: SIP connection via SIP trunk with IP authentication, communication channel organization, call routing within the country, and connection according to regulator rules (BTK).
Important! When working with Türk Telekom and Turkcell for connecting to cloud call centers, an intermediate server (PBX or SBC) is required.
İşNet
İşNet — telecom and IT provider within İş Bankası structure. Specializes in turnkey infrastructure setup, including SIP telephony and corporate system integrations.
Cloud VoIP/SIP providers
These are services for connecting telephony without additional equipment or complex settings.
Netgsm
Netgsm — licensed communications operator. Works in the VoIP segment, including SIP registration (login/password) and SIP trunk. Supports integration with cloud call centers.
VoIP Telekom
VoIP Telekom — provides access to virtual numbers and SIP channels. Either trunks or regular login authorization are used for operation. Does not require separate infrastructure, suitable for cloud and local solutions.
Foniva Telekom
Foniva Telekom — provides corporate telephony via the internet (VoIP). Services package includes: voice routing setup, SIP channels and virtual numbers.
Bulutfon A.Ş.
Bulutfon A.Ş. — cloud VoIP provider. Services package includes virtual numbers, SIP access using SIP login/password and a web interface for call management.
International providers with access to Turkey
If the call center operates outside Turkey or there’s no way to connect to local operators (for example, due to legal entity, IP, or infrastructure requirements), you can connect international providers:
- CommPeak — provider focused on mass outbound dialer campaigns;
- AstraQom — SIP trunk for connecting Turkish numbers (inbound and outbound lines). Suitable for IP-PBX integration;
- PBX.IM — you can connect Turkish virtual numbers and work with them through a cloud platform;
- DIDWW — access to Turkish destinations via SIP trunk and DID numbers. Connection usually happens through a personal account or manager;
- AVOXI — offers ready-made solutions for purchasing Turkish virtual numbers, quick connection and global routing;
- Lexi-call — provider offers connectivity to Turkey via SIP trunk for mass outbound calls to mobile and landline numbers;
- Zadarma — connecting a number from Turkey to a PC, SIP gateway, office PBX, or other device supporting SIP.
International providers can be used on a permanent basis, especially for outbound traffic. Meanwhile, for inbound connectivity, companies often supplement them with local numbers.
Local or international provider: What to choose?
If you have a Turkish legal entity, it’s better to connect to local operators.
- Pros: Direct number registration in the BTK database for your company, operation through local infrastructure (servers in Turkey) and legality.
- Cons: Complex bureaucracy and the need to provide tax documents (Vergi Levhası).
If you don’t have a company in Turkey, your option is international providers.
- Pros: Quick start, connection with foreign documents or passport, convenient cloud management.
- Cons: Operating in a “gray” zone. Incoming calls from local networks may be blocked by the Turkish regulator. Cost per minute is often higher than with local providers.
Companies often combine providers, distributing different tasks between them. For example, local operators for inbound connectivity, and international ones for outbound traffic and scaling.
Connecting a SIP number in Turkey is a multi-stage process. The right choice of provider and compliance with regulator rules will help avoid technical failures and focus on the main task — quality customer service.
