Turkcell and Huawei Achieve a Global Milestone in 5G Infrastructure

On June 3, 2025, Turkcell (NYSE: TKC; BIST: TCELL), one of Turkey's leading telecom companies, proudly announced a groundbreaking achievement in partnership with Huawei. The duo successfully completed the world's first operational test of a Full Duplex Radio Link, demonstrating a remarkable data transmission speed of 50 Gb/s. This innovative breakthrough stands as a significant milestone in wireless communication, heralding the future of 5G technology in Turkey.

The Historic Test in Istanbul

Conducted in Istanbul, this test utilized a single connection operating within the E-band spectrum (80 GHz), confirming Turkcell's position at the forefront of technological advancement. During the test, approximately 10,000 users could access voice and data services simultaneously, showcasing the potential of this cutting-edge technology for enhancing everyday user experiences. Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Chief Technology Officer at Turkcell, emphasized the achievement's importance, stating, "The speed we reached allows simultaneous access to voice and data services for about 10,000 users in the 5G network. This test is tangible evidence of our commitment to future-proofing our country’s digital infrastructure."

The Future of Wireless Communication

As demands for video streaming, augmented reality (AR), and low-latency applications continue to soar, the need for a robust and faster communication infrastructure becomes critical. The Full Duplex Radio Link technology developed by Turkcell and Huawei addresses this very need, allowing for data transmission speeds of up to 50 Gb/s due to its innovative antenna structure, improved spectrum efficiency, and interference prevention algorithms. Prof. Güngör highlighted that this technology is a crucial component of Turkcell's strategy to expand optical fiber deployment while strengthening their network with next-generation radio connections.

This approach aims to provide rapid, sustainable, and efficient connectivity across diverse coverage areas—from rural regions to challenging geographical terrains. "We are preparing Turkey's digital infrastructure for the future. Our goal at Turkcell is to facilitate faster and better communication solutions that can meet the growing data demands of our users, and this Full Duplex technology is a pivotal part of that vision," he added.

Insights from Huawei

James Zeng, President of Huawei's Radio Product Line, expressed profound confidence in this collaborative milestone, saying, "Both brands are fully committed to supporting Turkey's digital transformation efforts and contributing to the nation’s goal of achieving global leadership in the digital age. We are proud to implement the world’s first Full Duplex Radio Link solution with Turkcell. Achieving 50 Gb/s in the E-band not only accelerates Turkey's digital transformation but also lays the groundwork for its 5G infrastructure, ultimately fostering economic growth and societal development."

Understanding Full Duplex Radio Link Technology

Full Duplex Radio Link technology allows microwave connections used in wireless communication to transmit and receive data simultaneously on the same frequency. This capability substantially increases data transfer efficiency and enhances network performance. As researchers and engineers continue to innovate, the implications of such technology for both consumers and industries are vast.

About Turkcell

Turkcell is a premier technology and telecommunications company based in Turkey, recognized for offering a unique portfolio of voice, data, and IPTV services through its mobile and fixed networks, along with digital services targeting consumers, enterprises, and the tech-financial sector. Operating across three countries—Turkey, Belarus, and Northern Cyprus—Turkcell has been publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange and BIST since July 2000, remaining the only company with dual listings on these exchanges.

About Huawei

Huawei stands as a leading global provider of information and communication technology infrastructure and smart devices, employing approximately 208,000 people across over 170 countries and regions. For 23 years, Huawei has been integral to Turkey's telecom landscape, bringing cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Turkcell and Huawei not only marks a significant milestone in 5G infrastructure development but also sets a precedent for future technological advancements in the region. As digital demands continue to evolve, partnerships like these will be critical in shaping a connected future.