With operators facing such major risks, forget about 5G!!!

Ernst & Young (EY) has published its report outlining the biggest risks for telecommunications operators. At the top of the list are privacy, security, and trust. In second place is the failure to achieve sufficient transformation with next-generation technologies. In fifth place is the inability to adapt to geopolitical changes.

When these three headings are placed side by side, the picture becomes clear. Telecom is no longer just an infrastructure business; it is directly a matter of trust and sovereignty.

In Turkey, Türk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone Turkey are on the agenda with 5G preparations, data center investments, and new-generation service launches. Fiber kilometers, speed tests, and the number of base stations are being discussed. However, looking at the risk map pointed out by EY, another question comes to the fore: When fundamental security and governance risks are this high, should we really be talking about a speed race?

Telecommunications operators have long been using Asian-origin network equipment and end-user modem/router devices due to cost advantages. These devices do not just route internet traffic. They can analyze device density within a household. They can infer movement from Wi-Fi signal patterns. They can generate behavioral data through IoT devices. They can create profiles regarding life habits through traffic metadata.

Academic studies have shown that Wi-Fi signals can be used to detect human movement. This is technically possible. The issue is not just communication content. There is indirect data generation regarding physical living spaces.

This picture perfectly aligns with the first risk item in the EY report: the failure to adequately address privacy, security, and trust issues.

Another striking piece of data in the report is AI governance. The rate of those who say they effectively manage AI risks in the telecom sector is 59%. The industry-wide average is 66%. While telecom companies possess massive data pools, this rate is alarming. AI integration is accelerating. The scope of responsibility for cybersecurity units is expanding. Governance frameworks are not maturing at the same pace.

Geopolitical uncertainties are no longer theoretical. The concept of digital sovereignty is strengthening. Supply chains cannot be managed solely based on cost. Infrastructure preference is a strategic choice.

Years ago, I opposed those who said, “Forget 4G, let’s move to 5G.” Time proved me right. Now I am saying the same thing. Forget 5G. Do not rush. Concentrate on security. While Amazon Web Services data centers are being targeted and global infrastructure vulnerability has become so visible, our priority should not be investing in a technology whose efficiency has not been proven. Our priority should be making our domestic communication networks strong and reliable.

Contracts cannot be canceled in a day. However, what can be done is clear. Supplier diversification is possible. It is possible to turn to alternative sources in critical network layers. It is possible to offer end-users the option of security-certified devices. Independent firmware audits and transparent security reporting are possible.

For years, the telecom sector was discussed in terms of speed and price. The new competitive heading is now this: Who do we trust?

MAIN HEADINGS OF THE EY REPORT

Failure to adequately address privacy, security, and trust issues

Failure to achieve sufficient transformation with next-generation technologies

Difficulties in talent and organizational culture management

Inadequacies in network performance and value creation

Inability to adapt to geopolitical changes

Failure to benefit sufficiently from new business models

Inability to manage diversified collaborations in harmony

Failure to respond quickly enough to changing customer needs

Failure to effectively manage the sustainability agenda

Limitation of long-term growth due to inadequate operational models.