Turkey’s Rapid Progress in Fiber Infrastructure
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that Turkey is now among the top three European countries in delivering fiber infrastructure to households across 39 nations, and ranks fourth in fiber subscribers. Speaking at the inauguration of Türk Telekom’s Technology and Innovation Center, Uraloğlu emphasized the strategic importance of the information and communications sector in today’s world.
Investments and Ambitious Goals in Digital Transformation
Highlighting the transformative impact of technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and high-speed connectivity, Uraloğlu stated, “We are raising the bar in our investments for the future, increasing our ambitions in the transport of goods, people, and data every day.” He credited the government’s vision and the dedicated work of Türk Telekom for Turkey’s steady progress as a global digital player.
Fiber Network Growth and Targets
Back in 2002, Turkey had no broadband subscribers and only 81,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable. Today, the fiber network has expanded to 657,000 kilometers, with nearly 98 million broadband and 100 million mobile subscribers. Uraloğlu set new targets: extending fiber length to 750,000 kilometers, increasing broadband subscribers to over 106 million, and mobile subscribers to about 102 million.
Türk Telekom’s Role and 5G Preparedness
Tracing its history to the Ottoman-era Post Office of 1840, Türk Telekom has become the backbone of Turkey’s digital infrastructure. Since 2019, it has laid 231,000 kilometers of new fiber and provided fiber access to 12.3 million homes. By the end of 2025, Türk Telekom aims to reach 535,000 kilometers in fiber length and cover 34 million households. Uraloğlu noted that such achievements place Turkey among the European leaders in fiber reach.
5G Implementation and Economic Benefits
Uraloğlu stressed that a robust fiber network underpins the successful rollout of 5G technology. As of 2024, 61% of Türk Telekom’s LTE mobile base stations are fiber-connected—outpacing the current world average and even Europe’s 2028 target rate of 53%. Following a 5G licensing auction that generated $3.53 billion, Turkey plans to deliver 5G services nationwide within two years of its April 2026 launch. 5G is expected to multiply mobile internet speeds by ten and transform sectors from smart cities and industry to media and agriculture.
Innovation Center: A Hub for Next-Generation Technologies
The newly opened Technology and Innovation Center at Türk Telekom is designed to showcase advanced applications of 5G. The 600-square-meter facility allows real-time demonstrations in smart manufacturing, robotics, augmented reality, remote control, digital twins, and more. It also features IoT solutions, VR experience zones, LEO satellite systems, and advanced server cooling technologies, offering hands-on opportunities to experience high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
Commitment to Local Technology Production
Uraloğlu reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering a Turkey where technology is not only consumed but also produced locally. He highlighted Türk Telekom’s collaboration with domestic partners and participation in international innovation networks. The new center exemplifies this vision, supporting both national and global innovation in digital infrastructure and services.
