Only 25 percent of devices in Turkey are 5G compatible

Turkey is preparing to step into a new era in mobile communication. The transition to 5G technology across the country will take place on April 1, 2026.

MARMARA REGION IN THE FIRST PHASE

The 5G service, which will initially cover the Marmara Region, will be available to users with compatible phones. From this date forward, compatible devices will be able to benefit from 5G speeds.

“THEY THINK IT IS 50 PERCENT, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY 25 PERCENT”

Turkcell CEO Dr. Ali Taha Koç, in a statement made during a live broadcast on NTV, noted that they have conducted many studies, stating, “50 percent of our customers think their phones are 5G compatible. However, the reality is that the rate of 5G-compatible phones is at the 25-26 percent level.”

COMPATIBILITY RATE WILL INCREASE IN TWO YEARS

Reminding that a similar situation occurred 10 years ago during the transition from 3G to 4G, Koç said, “At that time, the rate of compatible phones was around 30 percent. However, this rate increased rapidly within two years. We expect a similar picture for 5G. By April 1, the rate will rise to around 35 percent.”

PRICE BALANCE REGULATION FROM BTK

Ahead of the 5G transition, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has taken a new step to limit potential price increases in mobile tariffs.

The BTK has introduced a “price ceiling” application for operators. According to the decision, the rate of increase to be applied to subscribers whose contract period has expired will be a maximum of 32 percent.