A new phase is beginning in Türkiye’s digitalization process. Vodafone invested $627 million in the 5G authorization tender organized by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority. took a remarkable step by doing so. The company, with the frequencies it receives 5G service will be available in 81 provinces and 922 districts as of April 1, 2026. will present. This investment was recorded as the third largest international direct investment made in Türkiye in 2025.
Vodafone Türkiye Chief Executive Engin Aksoy shared the details of the 5G process at the meeting held in Istanbul. Aksoy stated that they are the only operator in Türkiye with 5G experience on 5 continents and said, “We are ready for this technology from yesterday.” The company’s 5G transition strategy is based not only on infrastructure but also on the device ecosystem and user experience. He also emphasized that 5G will strengthen the country’s digital economy and increase productivity.
Strong infrastructure and comprehensive frequency planning
The frequencies obtained by Vodafone in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands serve both wide coverage and high speed targets. Aksoy said, “By acquiring all the frequencies we need, we have reached a position to implement the 5G transformation in the fastest way.” The company has made its infrastructure in the field ready for 5G in the last five years. With this, Türkiye’s highest performance mobile network, according to the independent testing organization Umlaut. Its election as the CEO revealed the concrete results of Vodafone’s infrastructure investments. Additionally, thanks to the high capacity improvements in 4.5G, the transition to 5G has been largely completed.
Vodafone’s 5G preparations are not limited to technical investments only. The company has tested the usage areas of 5G technology with the special projects it has carried out in the last five years. The remote piano performance, which brought together visually impaired young Bager Çalışcı and artist Haluk Levent via 5G in 2021, was one of the first projects that stood out in this context. Türkiye’s first live 5G hologram concert, held in 2022, embodied the company’s innovative approach. On the other hand, 5G-supported measurement systems in sports competitions have also improved the viewing experience. These events provided important examples of how 5G can be used in daily life.
Vodafone also plays an active role on the device side in the transition to 5G. The company makes agreements with different phone manufacturers Special campaigns and discounts on 5G compatible devices prepared. Aksoy stated, “We are in close cooperation with manufacturers to ensure that new 5G devices enter the market quickly.” In addition, within the scope of the Vodafone FLEX program, customers are offered a discount of up to 5 thousand TL depending on the period they are connected to. With this approach, the company aims to both facilitate user access and rapidly increase the number of 5G devices.
Vodafone Group does not limit its innovation efforts only to the Turkish market. The company’s testing and innovation center moved from Spain to Istanbul. Thus, Türkiye has become a strategic center on the path to 6G. Technologies for new generation mobile networks are being tested in the open test environment in Istanbul. This initiative will contribute to Türkiye taking a more active role in the global technology ecosystem.
Engin Aksoy, “We will provide 5G service in 81 provinces and 922 districts as of April 1, 2026. This will be Vodafone’s most comprehensive 5G launch worldwide.” He summarized the magnitude of the project with his words. The company continues to prepare its customers for the new era with campaigns. These efforts mark an important turning point in Türkiye’s digital transformation.