Ericsson and Turkcell Partner to Pioneer 6G Research and Autonomous Networks in Türkiye

Ericsson  and Turkcell  have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mobile World Congress 2026, Barcelona, Spain, to pioneer the future of telecommunications through a dedicated 6G research and development program in Türkiye.

This partnership formalizes the joint commitment to explore and develop next-generation technologies that will define the 6G era, ensuring both companies remain at the forefront of network innovation.

The collaboration positions Ericsson as a key partner in Turkcell’s journey toward future-ready networks. It is driven by the shared goal of accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and creating differentiating intellectual property.

The research will address the increasing demand for faster, more reliable, and personalized connectivity, aiming to deliver significant cost and efficiency gains for network operators and enhanced services for consumers and businesses.

The scope of the partnership is comprehensive, focusing on some components that will underpin 6G and future autonomous networks.

Key research areas include:

• Autonomous Network Enablers: Developing systems that can self-manage, self-optimize, and self-heal to improve network resilience and performance.
• Agentic AI Solutions: Investigating the use of advanced artificial intelligence agents to manage complex network operations and create new service capabilities.
• Integrated Sensing and Communication: Exploring technologies that merge network functions with environmental sensing to enable new applications and use cases.
• Digital Twins in Network Operations: Building virtual replicas of the network to simulate, predict, and optimize performance, reducing outages and improving operational efficiency.

 “As a leading technology company and mobile operator, we are working to build Türkiye’s digital backbone, with the aim of elevating the country’s connectivity capacity to a competitive advantage level. This is being achieved through the construction of robust data centres, the expansion of extensive fibre infrastructure, and investments in 5G technology. Today, we have progressed beyond the stage of rhetoric, and discussions are now centred on engineering process, technical capacity, and investment commitment.The 6G era is set to usher in a new era of intelligent, autonomous, and integrated connectivity, seamlessly integrating into every aspect of life. We are progressing towards this future with the concrete leadership demonstrated in 5G and our proven infrastructure strength in the field. Since 2016, we have made consistent investments and strategic frequency acquisitions. As a result, we have achieved a frequency portfolio that is unparalleled in Türkiye, a robust infrastructure, and the highest possible mobile speeds. We have positioned 5G as an infrastructure that enables digital transformation across sectors, ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, transportation to public services. The 6G collaboration we have initiated with Ericsson represents a significant step built upon this strong foundation. At Turkcell, we are committed to shaping this future through strong global partnerships and sustainable investments in next-generation research. Our collaboration with Ericsson reflects our shared objective of accelerating innovation by constructing future-ready, autonomous, AI-powered networks, enhancing Türkiye’s digital competitiveness, and generating long-term value for the entire ecosystem in collaboration with our customers. As the driving force behind the establishment of 5G’s regulatory framework, we are well-positioned to influence the future of 6G connectivity standards.”

– Ali Taha Koç, CEO, Turkcell

“This collaboration with Turkcell is a testament to our shared vision for the future of connectivity. By combining Ericsson’s research expertise with Turkcell’s deep market knowledge, we are not only pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology but also laying the groundwork for the digital transformation of Turkish society. Our joint efforts in 6G, AI, and autonomous networks will create powerful new platforms for innovation, benefiting everything from public services to enterprise applications.”

– Andrea Missori, Head of South Europe and Eurasia, Ericsson

Looking beyond immediate technological advancements, the partnership will explore the long-term societal benefits of 6G. This includes enhancing public services like healthcare, transportation, and emergency response through more resilient and intelligent networks.

The collaboration also underscores a commitment to skills development and knowledge sharing, fostering a new generation of engineering talent in Türkiye and addressing the data privacy, security, and fairness considerations essential for inclusive digital evolution.