"5G technology" in 10 questions

In Türkiye, which was introduced to 1G technology through car phones in 1991, internet use began in 1993, and 2G technology, which enables calls, data transfer and SMS sending via mobile phone, began in 1994.

As data gained importance alongside voice, Türkiye switched to 3G in 2009, and on April 1, 2016, it gained new opportunities thanks to 4.5G technology, which increased internet speed on mobile devices by 10 times.

5G preparations, which began with official tests in Türkiye in 2019 and have been ongoing for many years, have reached their final stages this year.

The total amount of the highest bids for 11 packages in 2 frequency bands in the 5G tender held today was 3 billion 534 million dollars, including VAT.

The bid files for the authorization tender for the establishment, operation and provision of services of mobile electronic communication infrastructures were submitted to the Tender Commission by the representatives of Turkcell Communication Services Inc., TTMobil Communication Services Inc. (Türk Telekom) and Vodafone Telekomünikasyon Inc.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, commenting on the matter, stated that the minimum target of $2.125 billion set for the 5G tender had reached $3.534 billion including VAT, adding, "I extend my thanks to Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone for participating in our 5G tender."

What is 5G and why is it important?

5G stands out as the next-generation mobile communications infrastructure. Offering up to 10 times the speed and a more secure connection compared to 4.5G, 5G will enable users to experience all internet usage with higher speeds and lower latency.

This technology will provide the infrastructure that enables innovations such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Another innovation that comes with 5G's increased speed is increased capacity. With 5G, 1 million devices will be able to send and receive data without any problems within a 1 square kilometer area.

What is the difference between 5G and 4.5G?

Speed ​​is the most important advantage of 5G. An HD movie that downloads in minutes with the current 4.5G connection will be downloaded in seconds with 5G.

5G will improve the user experience by minimizing latency during internet use, while also providing high-speed internet access even in environments with a large number of users, such as stadiums and concert venues, thanks to its high bandwidth.

When will 5G be available in Türkiye and what will the process be like?

Under their new authorizations, service providers will begin offering 5G services nationwide starting April 1, 2026. The authorization period will continue until December 31, 2042.

What will the coverage area of ​​5G be like?

5G will first be used in the densely populated Marmara Region, in provinces such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli, Bursa and Konya, and the first signals will be received from these areas.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the transition to 5G will be regionally based, and that it could take a year or a little longer to include all of Türkiye in the coverage area.

What is the share of 5G compatible devices in Türkiye?

Of the approximately 85 million subscribers using phones, 22 million of their mobile phones are 5G compatible devices.

Uraloğlu noted that there are approximately 96 million mobile subscribers in Türkiye, approximately 11 million of whom use machine-to-machine communication. Approximately one-quarter of phones in Türkiye are 5G compatible.

Do I need to change my current plan to use 5G service? Are there any additional fees?

Subscribers will be able to use 5G service without any changes and continue using their current plan. There will be no additional charges for 5G.

How will it be instantly understood that 5G is being used?

Users can determine whether they're using 5G or 4.5G internet in real-time by looking at the information on their mobile device. Within 5G coverage areas, the network indicator on their mobile device will display 5G instead of 4.5G (LTE).

How to cancel 5G service?

Once 5G service is operational, users will be able to disable it free of charge. Users can disable 5G by sending an SMS to the number specified by their mobile operator.

How will 5G technology affect industry?

The deployment of 5G technology in Türkiye is expected to radically transform the industrial sector. High speeds, low latency, and multi-device connectivity will enable machines, robots, and sensors to operate simultaneously on production lines.

What changes will 5G cause in the financial sector?

5G will increase the speed and reliability of financial transactions, enabling more efficient real-time delivery of big data and AI-based services. 5G's ultra-low latency and high bandwidth will enable high-frequency trading and investment transactions to be executed virtually instantaneously.

According to experts, thanks to 5G, transaction security will increase significantly with advanced encryption and real-time fraud detection; automation in banking operations will accelerate, reducing costs; and IoT integration will pave the way for innovative digital banking experiences such as smart home financial services or vehicle banking.