Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made important statements regarding Turkey’s transition to 5G technology. Announcing that the frequency bands to be tendered for 5G technology, which is planned to be put into use in 2026, have been prepared, Uraloğlu stated that 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands will be used in this context. With the high speed, low latency and large system capacity that 5G will provide, it is expected to make a great contribution to Turkey’s achievement of its digital transformation goals. Stating that the tender will be held next year, the Minister emphasized that 5G technology will open a new page in Turkey’s IT history.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “domestic and national 5G” vision, comprehensive studies are being carried out to develop this technology. Drawing attention to the importance of producing 5G equipment and network infrastructure by domestic designers, engineers and workers, Uraloğlu stated that encouraging domestic manufacturing is one of the main goals. He pointed out that this approach offers a great opportunity not only in terms of technological independence but also in terms of its contributions to the economy.
The Minister stated that Turkey aims to play a leading role in the transition to 5G and 6G technologies. In this context, he said that R&D projects are supported in cooperation with both the public and private sectors and that efforts are continuing to strengthen the domestic ecosystem. These efforts aim to increase Turkey’s global competitiveness by increasing its technological independence.
Uraloğlu also touched upon the critical importance of 5G technology in Turkey’s digitalization process. The high connection quality provided by 5G will accelerate the development of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and big data. However, thanks to high-speed internet and low latency, it will be possible to increase efficiency in many sectors such as industry, health, transportation and agriculture. Dissemination of the infrastructures required for new generation technologies will enable 5G to become a part of daily life.
In this process managed by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK), in addition to 5G, there are also projects to develop broadband services with 6G technology and low orbit satellites. Minister Uraloğlu stated that these projects will shape Turkey’s digital future and create a more sustainable technology ecosystem.
5G frequency bands and tender process
Determining the 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands for 5G, which is planned to be used in 2026, is seen as one of the most critical stages of the process. The wide spectrum capacity provided by these bands will enable high-speed and low-latency services to be provided. It is stated that these frequencies have strategic importance, especially for industrial applications and new generation mobile services.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that the tender process will be completed in mid-2025 and then, with a rapid transition period, 5G will be made available to both industry and citizens in 2026. In this process, the establishment of domestic communication infrastructures will be taken into account by taking advantage of international developments. The Minister stated that past authorization experiences will contribute to carrying out this process more effectively.
Türkiye aims to strengthen its place in the global technology scene with the transition to 5G technology. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure emphasizes that this transformation, which will offer great opportunities both technologically and economically, will be implemented more effectively with the cooperation of the public and private sectors. This process will not only be limited to the development of technological infrastructure, but will also support Turkey to become a country that has a say in the international arena.