The regulatory authority will oversee the process. So, now let us look into Turkey’s Upcoming 5G Spectrum Auction along with User-friendly LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom and User-friendly Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools in detail.
2. Spectrum Bands and Allocation
There are 11 spectrum packages available across two frequency ranges: 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz, totalling roughly 400 MHz of capacity.
- The 700 MHz range includes three blocks, each sized at 2 × 10 MHz, with a reserve price set at USD 425 million per block.
- The 3.5 GHz range is divided into:
- Three blocks of 1 × 80 MHz, each at USD 200 million minimum.
- Five blocks of 1 × 20 MHz, each at USD 50 million minimum.
3. Financial Framework and Conditions
The total base value for all packages is approximately USD 2.125 billion, excluding taxes.
Payments are structured in three equal instalments. Delays trigger a penalty at twice the standard annual interest rate (7.93%). If a payment exceeds 30 days overdue, the licence may be revoked.
Additionally, operators wishing to keep their existing mobile licences beyond 2029 must allocate 5% of their annual gross revenue as a retention fee. A performance guarantee is required, amounting to 14 times 6% of that 5% payment for 2029.
4. Timeline and Roll-Out Goals
The auction specifications are set to be published in late August 2025, with the actual bidding scheduled for October 2025. The first 5G services are expected to become active in 2026, beginning in key areas and expanding to cover the entire country over the following years.
5. Strategic Implications
This auction provides a structured shift toward next-generation mobile infrastructure. Allocating both low-frequency (700 MHz) and mid-frequency (3.5 GHz) bands supports broader coverage and higher-capacity urban applications. The staged payments and retention fees manage operator cash flow while encouraging phased modernization. The penalties and performance guarantees ensure compliance and financial discipline.
6. Practical Considerations
- Auction Design: Operators must prepare financial plans that account for up-front large sums and subsequent retention costs. The staggered payments offer flexibility, while strict penalties ensure system reliability.
- Technical Deployment: The 700 MHz spectrum is ideal for wide-area reach. The 3.5 GHz range supports denser urban use, enabling enhanced data speeds and network performance.
- License Transition: The requirement to allocate a portion of revenue to retain legacy rights ensures continuity while pushing mobile services toward the 5G framework.
- Roll-Out Focus: Initial deployment will likely prioritize urban centers, with gradual spread into suburban and rural zones.
About RantCell
RantCell is a SaaS-based mobile network testing solution that enables 4G and 5G performance monitoring without the need for traditional hardware test equipment. With RantCell, network operators, regulators, and enterprises can run drive tests, indoor walk tests, and automated remote tests using off-the-shelf Android devices. Results are uploaded in real time to a cloud dashboard, providing detailed QoE and KPI insights. Also read similar articles from here.
