Turkey is preparing to raise at least $2.1 billion through a new spectrum auction that will enable the country’s nationwide rollout of 5G services, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
In a post on X, Uraloğlu said the government has reached the final stage in its 5G plans, with the auction date and full details set to be announced soon.
Spectrum Packages
Under a presidential decree, a total of 400 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands will be released to mobile operators, divided into 11 packages:
- Three packages in the 700 MHz band, each with a minimum price of $425 million.
- Eight packages in the 3.5 GHz band, priced between $50 million and $200 million.
The Daily Sabah reported that the pricing structure is designed to ensure competition among operators while maximizing revenue.
5G Benefits and Market Context
Minister Uraloğlu highlighted that 5G will deliver speeds 10–100 times faster than 4.5G, revolutionizing connectivity and enabling advanced digital services across the country.
Turkey’s 2G, 3G, and 4.5G licenses are set to expire in 2029, making the auction a critical step toward modernizing the telecom sector. The country’s mobile market is already mature, with 94 million subscribers and a penetration rate of 110%, according to the national telecom regulator.
The upcoming auction is expected to reshape Turkey’s telecom landscape, accelerate digital transformation, and position the country more competitively in the global 5G race.
