Turkey Announces 5G Launch in Major Cities Starting April 2026

Latest Update

Turkey is preparing to roll out fifth-generation mobile network technology, with 5G services set to become available in major cities starting in April 2026. Nationwide coverage is expected to follow within two years.

The announcement was made by Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who said that 5G is already being actively tested across the country. Currently, the technology is undergoing trials at more than 30 locations.

“From around April, we will begin providing 5G signals across Turkey. Priority will be given to major cities with high population density,” Uraloğlu said. He added that users with compatible devices can already test 5G at Istanbul Airport.

Financial Framework and Investment

The minister recalled that a tender for the construction of 5G networks had previously been held, bringing approximately $3.5 billion into the state budget. In addition, concession agreements with mobile operators were extended for 25 years, generating an additional $3 billion in public revenue.

Under the new agreements, operators are also required to invest $17 billion in infrastructure over the next 25 years. According to Uraloğlu, these investments are expected to resolve long-standing issues related to internet speed and accessibility.

The Path to a Digital Future

The rollout of 5G is seen as a key step in Turkey’s digital transformation, supporting the development of:

• Smart Cities
• Industry 4.0
• Advanced Transportation Systems
• Next-Generation Digital Services

Note for Users: To access 5G services when launched, ensure your mobile device is 5G-compatible. Initial testing is currently available at Istanbul Airport (IST).

Looking Ahead: The phased rollout, starting with major urban centers in April 2026, marks the beginning of a significant upgrade to the country's digital infrastructure, aiming for complete nationwide coverage by 2028.