What's Happening?
Turkey is set to hold a significant 5G frequency tender in October, with the commercial rollout of services expected to begin in 2026. The country's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced that the government has been consulting with local carriers Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone Turkey, while also reviewing European 5G deployment models. The tender will cover 11 spectrum packages in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, with package values ranging from $50 million to $425 million, and a minimum total price of $2.13 billion. Existing mobile licenses, which are set to expire in 2029, will be extended, requiring operators to pay 5% of their annual revenues. The government aims to achieve nationwide 5G coverage within a few years of the initial services in 2026.
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Why It's Important?
The launch of 5G services in Turkey is a critical step towards enhancing the country's digital infrastructure and competitiveness in the global market. The introduction of 5G technology is expected to significantly improve internet service quality, enabling faster and more reliable connectivity for consumers and businesses. This development is likely to drive digitalization across various sectors, fostering innovation and economic growth. The auction and subsequent rollout will also position Turkey as a leader in telecommunications in the region, potentially attracting foreign investment and partnerships. The requirement for operators to pay a percentage of their revenues for license renewal could also generate substantial revenue for the government, supporting further infrastructure development.
What's Next?
Following the publication of tender specifications in August, the auction process will commence in October. Major telecom operators in Turkey, including Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone Turkey, are expected to participate actively in the bidding process. As the government moves forward with its plans, these companies will likely ramp up their technical preparations to ensure a smooth transition to 5G services. The successful implementation of 5G technology will depend on the collaboration between the government and telecom operators, as well as the resolution of any regulatory or technical challenges that may arise during the rollout phase.
