5G regulation and law in Turkiye

5G technology in Turkey remains in the evaluation, testing, and trial phases. Current implementation efforts are primarily limited to pilot projects and experimental applications, focusing on establishing the necessary infrastructure and conducting preliminary trials before broader deployment.

In November 2024, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure indicated that a tender schedule would be announced by the end of the year. The tender process is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2025, with the aim of launching 5G services in early 2026.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 recognizes the importance of deploying 5G and sets goals in this area. However, these goals remain broad and do not provide a structured roadmap for the planned 5G roll-out.

As 5G has yet to be deployed, the companies are not monetising 5G investments. 

5G has been introduced primarily through pilot projects aimed at industrial applications in Turkey. These initiatives involve partnerships among the country’s top three operators —Turk Telekom, Vodafone, and Turkcell — alongside industrial players.

Turkey’s first local industrial 5G mobile network was launched in the Organized Industrial Zone in Ankara, in collaboration with Turk Telekom and Nokia. This initiative focuses on enabling real-time monitoring, automation, and data-driven manufacturing processes. It serves as a foundation for Industry 4.0 applications and supports the digital transformation of Turkey’s manufacturing sector.

The 5G@EndTech Program is another key initiative aimed at fostering innovation in manufacturing. Led by Turk Telekom, Nokia, and Arçelik, the program supports the development of solutions such as AI-powered drones for workplace safety, autonomous robots for virtual factory tours, and advanced monitoring systems. These efforts demonstrate 5G’s transformative potential in creating smarter and more efficient industrial operations.

Led by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, the largest R&D centre in Turkey, the 5G-MOBIX Project highlights the use of 5G in cross-border autonomous vehicle applications on the Turkey-Greece corridor. This project explores new mobility solutions and demonstrates how 5G can improve logistics networks, safety, and operational efficiency.

Turkey’s aviation and infrastructure sectors have begun integrating 5G technology to enhance operational efficiency and user experience. At Istanbul Airport, 5G services are available to improve passenger connectivity through faster networks for 5G-enabled devices while the services support airport operations with advanced digital systems for real-time communication and monitoring.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority oversees frequency allocation to ensure fair access. While tenders for 5G frequencies have not yet been conducted, trial licenses have been granted to Turk Telekom, Vodafone, and Turkcell. These licenses enable the companies to test 5G on various bands , 3.5, 3.7, and 26 GHz) in cities such as Istanbul, İzmir, and Ankara.

5G frequency tenders have not taken place yet. 

The spectrum licence conditions have not been set.

The criteria for awarding tenders have not been set.

There is no pricing information yet.

No long-term spectrum plan has been drafted and no announcements have been made.

No 5G specific rules have been drafted.

5G has not yet been deployed. There is no public information on any issues in the implementation of the trial projects. 

There is no 5G-focused network or spectrum sharing regulation yet.

There are no 5G network sharing or spectrum sharing agreements in place yet.

No such rules have been adopted.

No specific comments have been made about 5G cybersecurity or the potential use of Chinese technology.