Türkiye has successfully conducted its first-ever 5G technology trial during a football match, marking a key step in the country’s goal to achieve nationwide 5G coverage by 2026.
The test took place at RAMS Park, the home stadium of Galatasaray, during a friendly against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. This marked the first time 5G was used at a sporting event in Türkiye.
Minister Highlights Expansion Plans
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the development on social media, stating that 5G had already been tested at Istanbul Airport and 33 industrial facilities, and is now entering the sports arena.
“We are working to spread 5G across the country as quickly as possible,” said Uraloğlu, who previously confirmed plans to equip stadiums of the “Big Four” football clubs — Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor — with 5G infrastructure.
Following Galatasaray’s trial, the ministry will assess the service requirements and establish 5G networks in the other three stadiums.
National Rollout Underway
The 5G trial is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Ministry in cooperation with the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and private sector partners. The project aims to transform connectivity, enabling faster data speeds, remote operations, and increased efficiency in robotics and industrial processes.
Currently, 5G tests are being conducted at 34 locations in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Eskişehir, and Konya. Citizens with compatible devices are already able to experience the new network.
If testing continues successfully, Türkiye expects to roll out full 5G coverage by 2026.