Turkey is fast-tracking its nationwide 5G rollout and aims to be fully migrated to the next-generation network by 2026. Abdulkadir Ularoglu The company recently announced that it is rapidly preparing for this significant technology upgrade.
The Communications and Telecommunications Technology Agency (BTK) has begun work on an auction planned for next year, which will be an important step towards achieving this goal.
5G Strategic Planning
According to BTK’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, broadband internet remains the fastest growing electronic communications service in Turkey. The rapid growth and increasing usage of the information sector is driving the need for more spectrum and the deployment of new generation communications networks beyond 5G.
5G technology, already deployed at Istanbul Airport, is set to be expanded nationwide. The strategic plan includes monitoring and contributing to international standards for 5G and future networks established by the ITU and 3GPP, as well as encouraging industry participation.
Additionally, research and development and product development efforts will be supported to strengthen the presence of domestic products in future networks, including 6G.
Emphasis on domestic production and technological independence
The strategic plan highlights Turkey’s focus on domestic production of 5G-related equipment and infrastructure, with the aim of encouraging local designers, engineers and workers to produce mobile communications technology, thereby increasing technological self-reliance and contributing to the local economy.
The transition to 5G is seen as a major opportunity to reduce dependency on foreign technology and strengthen local innovation.
Turkey’s broad development strategy, outlined in the 12th Development Plan, focuses on supporting pioneering technologies that drive green and digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, 5G and 6G, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.
Preparing for a nationwide 5G auction
The Department of Transport and Infrastructure is working with BTK to prepare for the 5G auction scheduled for next year.
The auction is a key step towards enabling the rollout of 5G infrastructure across Turkey, with a focus on improving the quality of R&D projects, creating a regulatory framework that supports regional ecosystem development, and ensuring that all stages of the 5G network rollout, from design to production, include significant state contributions.
While preparations for 5G progress, BTK is also closely monitoring domestic and international developments regarding 6G technology, including the expansion of broadband services via satellite, particularly using low-earth orbit satellites, to ensure nationwide coverage. Localization efforts in these areas are expected to begin in the near future.
