Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the tender process for 5G has started, with the first signal expected in 2026. Uraloğlu also mentioned that the social media regulation for under-16s will be implemented this year.

During the Turkey Century Summit on Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister Uraloğlu spoke about recent efforts and upcoming projects in these fields. He emphasized that approximately 290 billion dollars of investments have been made in transportation and infrastructure over the past 23 years. Uraloğlu stated, “We have undertaken and continue to undertake significant projects ranging from divided highways and increased airports to high-speed rail networks and maritime activities.” The Development Road Project holds strategic importance in boosting trade volume, and Uraloğlu added, “This project will reinforce Turkey’s strategy of becoming a trade corridor. Starting with Iraq, Qatar and the UAE have joined. The project has been completed in its entirety, and we are currently working on financing and management models.”

“WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE TENDER PROCESS FOR 5G”

Regarding the progress made in 5G, Minister Uraloğlu said, “We are discussing whether it will be 5G or 5.5G, but we have initiated the tender process. By conducting the auction this year, we will begin to receive signals for widespread adoption in 2026. Our aim in this delay is to enhance its local presence and acquire external equipment at more accurate prices.” He mentioned that they had recently granted 5G trial licenses in 34 locations, adding two more to bring it to 36. Uraloğlu explained that 5G technology would provide ten times faster speeds in practice. “We have become one of the 11 satellite producers worldwide, made by us, Turkish engineers. We have started marketing efforts for satellite production, not only for our country but for the whole world,” he added.

RAIL SYSTEM NETWORK IN ISTANBUL TO REACH 1,400 KILOMETERS

Speaking about Istanbul’s transportation issues, Minister Uraloğlu mentioned, “Istanbul has a total need for a 1,400-kilometer rail system. Currently, we have 380 kilometers, and at least 600 more kilometers need to be added.” Stressing that rail systems are essential to solving the city’s transportation problems, he emphasized, “There is no project awaiting approval from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality at the Ministry of Transport. Approved projects should be implemented as soon as possible.” In addition, Uraloğlu stated that efforts to develop Turkey’s fiber infrastructure continued incessantly, aiming to increase it from the current 580,000 kilometers to 800,000 kilometers.

NEW REGULATION FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE UNDER 16

Minister Uraloğlu announced a new regulation for social media platforms to protect young people and children, stating, “While the average daily time spent on the internet worldwide is around 6.5 hours, in Turkey, it is approximately 7 hours. We will implement measures to regulate social media usage for those under 16 this year.” Mentioning that 79.4% of families approve of the age 16 limit, Uraloğlu indicated a general consensus had been reached on the regulation, which he expects to become law soon.