Research Article

A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye's 5G Deployment

Volume: 4 Number: 1 June 30, 2026
TR EN

A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye's 5G Deployment

Abstract

This study examines the economic impact of broadband mobile network transitions on operators in Türkiye, with a specific focus on drawing evidence-based lessons from LTE to inform the strategic and financial planning for the upcoming 5G deployment. It aims to quantitatively assess the relationship between infrastructure investment, operator efficiency, and macroeconomic constraints to formulate actionable policy recommendations. The research employs a historical panel dataset of Turkish mobile network operators (MNOs) to calculate and analyze the investment efficiency ratio. This quantitative analysis is complemented by a qualitative review of historical data and the regulatory framework governing the 5G process. The analysis reveals two critical patterns. First, LTE deployment generated significant efficiency gains, with operator capital productivity increasing by approximately 30% post-implementation. Second, this productivity is highly sensitive to financing costs. High domestic interest rates exert strong downward pressure on investment efficiency. Consequently, while 5G holds similar potential for productivity gains, its financial viability is severely challenged under current macroeconomic conditions. This paper provides a novel, integrated analysis that combines quantitative operator-level efficiency metrics with Türkiye's specific policy ambitions for technological sovereignty. It uniquely quantifies the financial friction caused by high interest rates on telecom investments and proposes a holistic policy framework.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Wireless Communication Systems and Technologies (Incl. Microwave and Millimetrewave), Data Communications, Communications Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

February 12, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 4 Number: 1

APA
Demircioglu, E. (2026). A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment. Bilgi Teknolojileri Ve İletişim Dergisi, 4(1), 67-100. https://doi.org/10.66643/btkdergi.1887737
AMA
1.Demircioglu E. A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi. 2026;4(1):67-100. doi:10.66643/btkdergi.1887737
Chicago
Demircioglu, Erdem. 2026. “A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment”. Bilgi Teknolojileri Ve İletişim Dergisi 4 (1): 67-100. https://doi.org/10.66643/btkdergi.1887737.
EndNote
Demircioglu E (June 1, 2026) A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi 4 1 67–100.
IEEE
[1]E. Demircioglu, “A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment”, Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 67–100, June 2026, doi: 10.66643/btkdergi.1887737.
ISNAD
Demircioglu, Erdem. “A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment”. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi 4/1 (June 1, 2026): 67-100. https://doi.org/10.66643/btkdergi.1887737.
JAMA
1.Demircioglu E. A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi. 2026;4:67–100.
MLA
Demircioglu, Erdem. “A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment”. Bilgi Teknolojileri Ve İletişim Dergisi, vol. 4, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 67-100, doi:10.66643/btkdergi.1887737.
Vancouver
1.Erdem Demircioglu. A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi. 2026 Jun. 1;4(1):67-100. doi:10.66643/btkdergi.1887737

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