Turkey will now prepare to launch nationwide 5G services by April 2026 under new localisation and investment mandates
Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has concluded the country’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, allocating 11 frequency packages across the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands to Turkcell, Türk Telekom and Vodafone Turkey.
The auction raised a total of USD 2.945 billion (excluding VAT) and USD 3.534 billion including VAT. Turkcell emerged as the largest bidder, securing five packages (A1, B1, B4, B5 and B6) for USD 1.224 billion. Türk Telekom won four (A3, B2, B7 and B8) for USD 1.094 billion, while Vodafone Turkey obtained two (A2 and B3) for USD 627 million.
The tender, conducted under BTK’s closed and open bidding procedures, offered a combined 400 MHz of spectrum with a reserve value of USD 2.125 billion. Operators have been authorised to use the bands until 31 December 2042, with annual investment obligations of 5 per cent of revenues between 2029 and 2042.
Deputy Transport and Infrastructure Minister Dr Ömer Fatih Sayan described the auction as “a historic step” that strengthens Turkey’s digital sovereignty and industrial capability. He confirmed that the first 5G services will launch nationwide from 1 April 2026, with consumers gaining access under their existing mobile plans.
Sayan also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to domestic innovation, raising the local production requirement from 45 per cent during the 4.5G rollout to 60 per cent for 5G. At least 30 per cent of network hardware must be based on fully Turkish-owned designs and intellectual property.
BTK President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu called the auction a strategic milestone, marking Turkey’s entry into the 5G era. He said 5G networks will underpin advances in machine-to-machine communication, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and autonomous systems, while accelerating digital transformation across energy, agriculture, healthcare, transport and urban infrastructure.
Karagözoğlu also cited the End-to-End Domestic and National 5G Communication Network Project, involving 14 local companies and the three mobile operators. The initiative aims to meet hardware and software needs through Turkish-developed solutions, building on the success of the 4.5G network localisation rate, which reached 52 per cent.
Turkcell is happy
Following the auction, Turkcell confirmed it secured a total of 160 MHz spectrum for USD 1.224 billion, the highest amount among the three operators. CEO Dr Ali Taha Koç said the results reaffirm Turkcell’s position as the market leader and demonstrate its readiness to drive Turkey’s digital future.
“5G represents a historic threshold for our country,” Koç said. “We have obtained the frequency bands necessary to deliver the fastest, strongest and most comprehensive service, and we are proud to lead this transformation. With our investment exceeding USD 30 billion, we are committed to advancing Turkey’s digitalisation and maintaining our leadership in the 5G era.”
Koç said Turkcell’s holdings in the 700 MHz band will provide the widest national coverage, while its 140 MHz in the 3.5 GHz range will enable mobile speeds of 1 Gbps and above. The new allocations increase Turkcell’s total spectrum from 234.4 MHz to 394.4 MHz.
“5G is not only about higher speeds but also ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity and new business models,” Koç added. “We will continue to lead Turkey’s transformation with AI-driven networks and robust infrastructure.”
The conclusion of the auction sets Turkey on course for commercial 5G rollout within 18 months. The challenge now shifts to implementation.
