Turkcell Seeks 2045 License Extension, Expects 5G Tender This Year

Turkish mobile phone operator Turkcell has requested an extension of its current licenses until 2045, according to its CEO Ali Taha Koc. Koc also stated that a 5G tender is expected to be held this year. Additionally, he mentioned that if Turkey's current fiber infrastructure were sold off, it would be valued at $2.5 billion. The CEO emphasized the need for fiber optic cable infrastructure and suggested putting bulk fiber infrastructure purchase as an option to move forward quickly in 5G.

ISTANBUL, June 17, 2025 - Turkish mobile phone operator Turkcell has requested an extension of its current licenses until 2045, according to its CEO Ali Taha Koc. Koc also stated that a 5G tender is expected to be held this year. Additionally, he mentioned that if Turkey's current fiber infrastructure were sold off, it would be valued at $2.5 billion. The CEO emphasized the need for fiber optic cable infrastructure and suggested putting bulk fiber infrastructure purchase as an option to move forward quickly in 5G.

Koc's comments come as Turkey considers adopting a unified fiber optic telecoms entity to expand its network. The current concession agreement between Turk Telekom and the Turkish government is set to expire in 2026. Turk Telekom owns and maintains 78% of Turkey's 577,000-kilometer national fiber network.

The request for license extension and the emphasis on fiber infrastructure highlight Turkcell's strategic focus on 5G and future connectivity needs. The company aims to leverage the upcoming 5G tender to further its 5G network deployment plans.

According to market reports, the RF-Over-Fiber market is expected to reach USD 1264.34 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.57% from 2024 to 2032. The market is driven by the rising need for high-speed, low latency data due to the fiber optic evolution and continuous 5G networks deployment [3].

Turkcell's strategic moves underscore the importance of robust fiber infrastructure in supporting high-speed data transmission and enabling advanced communication networks. The company's request for license extension and focus on fiber infrastructure align with global trends and market demands.

References:
[1] https://www.zawya.com/en/business/technology-and-telecom/turkcell-seeks-extension-of-licences-to-2045-media-says-e31frhgw
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkcell-seeks-extension-licences-2045-media-says-2025-06-17/
[3] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/13/3099046/0/en/RF-Over-Fiber-Market-Size-to-Hit-USD-1264-34-Million-by-2032-at-8-57-CAGR-SNS-Insider.html