Turkey is preparing to launch its long-awaited 5G rollout with a spectrum auction expected to raise at least $2.1 billion, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The government will open up 400 MHz of frequency in the 700 and 3.5 GHz bands, divided into 11 packages for mobile operators.
Pricing starts at $425 million per package in the 700 MHz band, while the 3.5 GHz packages range between \$50 million and \$200 million, local media reported.
This move marks the final stage of Turkey’s 5G preparations, with authorities emphasizing that this new spectrum will deliver internet speeds up to 100 times faster than current 4.5G networks.
The country’s existing 2G, 3G, and 4.5G licenses will expire in 2029, making this transition crucial for long-term digital readiness.
Turkey’s telecom sector already boasts 94 million mobile subscribers, reflecting a 110% penetration rate. With such a strong base, the rollout is set to reshape connectivity across industries from AI and fintech startups to smart manufacturing and IoT adoption.
For MENA startups, the leap offers more than faster streaming. It promises a stronger digital backbone for cross-border collaboration, scalable AI-driven services, and data-heavy applications, all essential to the region’s growing tech ecosystem.
By setting an ambitious revenue target for its auction, Ankara is not just funding infrastructure, it’s signaling that 5G is the next growth frontier for Turkey’s economy and its integration into the wider MENA digital marketplace.
