Vodafone Türkiye Secures 100 MHz of 5G Spectrum in ICTA Auction for US$627 Million
The total investment amounted to US$627 million (€539 million), marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to accelerate Turkey’s digital transformation and prepare for the commercial rollout of 5G services.
Vodafone Türkiye has strengthened its position in the country’s telecommunications market with the successful acquisition of 100 MHz of spectrum during Turkey’s 5G auction, conducted by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA). The total investment amounted to US$627 million (€539 million), marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to accelerate Turkey’s digital transformation and prepare for the commercial rollout of 5G services.
The newly acquired spectrum includes 2 x 10 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 80 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, both of which will play a central role in enhancing network capacity and delivering next-generation connectivity across the country. The licences will become effective in April 2026 and will remain valid until 31 December 2042, giving Vodafone nearly 17 years of operational use.
Payment for the spectrum will be spread across three financial years, with an initial instalment of US$209 million (€180 million) due in January 2026, followed by two equal payments in December 2026 and May 2027. This structured payment plan provides financial flexibility while supporting Vodafone Türkiye’s long-term network investment goals.
Alongside the auction, ICTA also finalized renewal terms for existing spectrum licences set to expire in 2029. Under the new framework, all mobile operators will pay an annual licence fee of 5% of mobile service revenue to retain their current spectrum holdings, a measure aimed at ensuring stability, transparency, and fair competition in Turkey’s telecom sector.
The acquisition significantly enhances Vodafone Türkiye’s overall spectrum portfolio. Post-auction, the company now holds frequencies across multiple bands — including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3.5 GHz — positioning it to deliver faster, more reliable, and higher-capacity 5G services nationwide.
The 5G spectrum investment underscores Vodafone Türkiye’s commitment to driving digital innovation, economic growth, and network modernization, with commercial 5G services expected to launch across Turkey in 2026.
