Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 19, Turkcell showcased its 5G capabilities with intercontinental demonstrations at TEKNOFEST 2025 in Istanbul, held from September 17-21. A domestically produced, fully electric autonomous vehicle from TÜBİTAK’s Gebze Campus was successfully controlled using 5G technology, highlighting Turkcell’s progress in next-generation connectivity.
At the festival, another first for Türkiye was achieved as a construction vehicle in Kocaeli was remotely operated from Turkcell’s booth in Adana. Earlier this year, in May at TEKNOFEST in the TRNC, Turkcell conducted the country’s first land-to-sea 5G trial, further demonstrating its leadership in 5G applications.
Dr. Ali Taha Koç, General Manager of Turkcell, said: “5G isn’t just a speed boost; it’s a technology that will have a transformative impact on all business lines and every aspect of life. It will enable a radical transformation in industry, transportation, healthcare, education, and smart cities, while also ushering in a new era of digitalization. Autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence applications will become a routine part of our lives.”
He added: “5G will also boost productivity as a strategic lever to grow Türkiye’s digital economy. This next-generation communication technology will enable new business models and position our country as a regional digital hub. As Turkcell, we are playing a leading role in Türkiye’s transition to 5G. The test we conducted at TEKNOFEST, in collaboration with TÜBİTAK, demonstrates Turkcell’s level of 5G readiness.”
Turkcell has invested over $28 billion in Türkiye since its founding, with a significant portion directed toward mobile infrastructure and preparation for new technologies. The company has upgraded its 4.5G network, integrated next-generation base stations, increased fiber penetration, and implemented AI-supported network architecture, ensuring both technical and financial readiness for 5G. Dr. Koç emphasized: “As we did with 2G, 3G, and 4.5G, we will set the standards for 5G. Turkcell will once again be the first operator that comes to mind when 5G is mentioned.”
At TEKNOFEST 2025, visitors could also experience a 5G-driven competition using a specially developed autonomous vehicle. Competitors controlled the vehicle remotely, collecting points at virtual targets along the track. The LIDAR-supported 3D live mapping feature, developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, was demonstrated in real time through Turkcell’s 5G network. Additionally, award-winning teams from the inaugural 5G Positioning Competition received recognition at the festival.
Dr. Koç concluded: “With over 30 years of experience, strategic partnerships, and strong human resources, we are making 5G a part of daily life, from stadiums to airports. 5G will increase efficiency, enable new business models, and grow Türkiye’s digital economy. Turkcell is ready, and we will continue to lead in 5G implementation.”
