While the uncertainty about when the 5G tender will be held, BTHABER’den Kemalettin Bulamacı’nın according to the process until October, the process does not seem possible for technical reasons.
The 5G authorization process carried out by the Information and Communication Technology and Communication Authority (BTK) has not been reached. The tender, which will be held in August, is not expected to grow up to October with the current preparation calendar. Behind the delay is the “Policy Proposal for 5G Authorization” and the technical regulations that should be made in the National Frequency Plan of Türkiye, which the CTK has not yet completed. It is not technically possible to go to a tender before the frequency allocation is clear. November is now considered as the closest possibility.
5G Policy Certificate, which is included in the BTK’s business plan in 2025, will form the basis of the authorization process. The document includes not only frequency and spectrum ranges, but also information about the authorization periods. However, despite the aim of this study to be completed by the end of September, there are examples in which the ICTA went out of the calendar in the past years. Without preparing this document, the National Frequency Plan cannot be intervened technically. Therefore, all the preparations for the tender are adhered to this document.
Türkiye’s existing spectrum usage covers a large area from 800 MHz to 2600 MHz. In addition to a total of 549.2 MHz-wide spectrum allocated to mobile operators, new areas such as 700 MHz, L-Bant, 2,3–2,4 GHz and 3.4–3.8 GHz bands are also wanted to be opened to IMT services. The re -planning process on frequencies is carried out with both national needs and harmony with the European Union. It is not possible to prepare the tender file before these plans become clear. In addition, although the 700 MHz band is planned to be separated for public security, it is planned to be included in the tender.
5G frequency allocation cannot be done until Türksat’s role became clear
Another factor affecting the tender process is uncertainty about the position of Türksat. Although it is clear that Türksat will not be a mobile service operator, it is stated that he can take responsibility in areas such as public security and emergency communication. A legal regulation is required for the frequency allocation that will be needed within the scope of this task. However, since the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye is on holiday, an official step has not been taken yet. As the parliament started to work in October, the decisions about Türksat’s role are expected to become clear.
The uncertainty regarding the 5G frequencies to be allocated to Türksat, which will be involved in public services, directly affects the shaping of the tender scope. In particular, 700 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands are planned to be separated for emergency communication. This prevents the formation of a clear picture of which frequencies will be included in the tender specifications formed by the ICTA. However, in order to assign these tasks to Türksat, not only a corporate will, but a legal authorization is required. Without this authorization, it is not possible for Türksat to make a request for frequencies.
The policy certificate to be prepared by the BTK will directly affect the determination of frequency planning and tender scope. A tender to be made before this document is completed may cause technical and legal risks. In addition to Türksat, industrial 5G solutions for defense industry companies will be included in these plans. Therefore, not only mobile subscription, but also the needs of strategic institutions will be decided. The tender calendar will be clear after these decisions.
In order to establish and put into service the 5G infrastructure, the process is expected to process faster after the tender. However, the expansion of the coverage area and the high -speed connection will depend on the fiber investments and access policies of the operators. The fact that it will be launched in limited regions in the first place increases the importance of plans for the effective use of the spectrum. In addition to BTK, relevant ministries and other public institutions are expected to play a decisive role in the process.
Although it is theoretically possible to attract the tender forward, the current preparation situation weakens this possibility. In order to clarify the tender date, BTK must complete the policy document and make decisions about Türksat. Without these developments, the tender will not be technically possible. November stands out as the earliest date in which the process can be completed with a realistic goal.