Ericsson and Turkcell Expand Partnership to Deploy Advanced 5G RAN and Cloud Network Technologies in Türkiye

Ericsson and Turkcell Expand Partnership to Deploy Advanced 5G RAN and Cloud Network Technologies in Türkiye

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson and Turkcell have announced a strategic collaboration at Mobile World Congress 2026 to develop and deploy advanced 5G network technologies in Türkiye. The partnership includes a RAN rollout agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding focused on technologies such as RedCap, Cloud RAN architectures, the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and intelligent rApps for network automation. The collaboration aims to accelerate the evolution toward 5G-Advanced capabilities while enabling new services including AR/VR and industrial IoT. The initiative will also support network automation, improved energy efficiency and more reliable connectivity for consumers, enterprises and public services.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 5-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson and Turkcell have announced an expanded collaboration at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced 5G network technologies in Türkiye. The partnership includes an agreement to roll out new Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions as well as a broader Memorandum of Understanding focused on next-generation network capabilities.

The collaboration builds on the recent commercial launch of 5G services in Türkiye and aims to accelerate the country’s transition toward more advanced 5G-Advanced network capabilities.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will work with Turkcell to develop, integrate and deploy advanced RAN solutions designed to enhance network performance, reliability and scalability. The partnership also outlines plans to explore emerging technologies that will help modernize network architecture and enable more advanced digital services.

A key objective of the collaboration is to promote the adoption of cloud-native and automated network architectures. These technologies allow operators to manage network infrastructure more efficiently while enabling faster deployment of new services.

The partnership will focus on four major technology areas that are expected to play a central role in the evolution of mobile networks.

One area is Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, which is designed to support a new generation of connected devices that require lower complexity and improved battery efficiency. RedCap can enable applications such as wearable devices, smartwatches, infotainment systems, fixed wireless access equipment, industrial cameras and connected sensors.

Another focus is the development of Cloud RAN architectures. Cloud-based radio access networks offer greater flexibility and scalability by moving network functions into cloud environments. This approach allows operators to scale capacity more easily and deploy new features more rapidly.

The companies will also explore Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) capabilities using the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform. This platform supports intelligent automation and closed-loop management processes designed to improve network performance, optimize energy usage and reduce operational complexity.

In addition, the partnership will examine the use of intelligent rApps — specialized software applications designed to automate network operations and support lifecycle management of network services.

Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Chief Technology Officer of Turkcell, said the company’s goal is to evolve its network into a cloud-native platform capable of supporting rapidly expanding digital services. According to Güngör, the collaboration with Ericsson will help accelerate the development of new use cases and improve network performance for both consumer and enterprise customers.

Mehmet Oğul, General Manager of Ericsson Türkiye, noted that the partnership will enable the development of more intelligent and efficient networks by combining Cloud RAN architecture with AI-powered automation technologies.

The companies expect the collaboration to support the rollout of services that require low latency and high reliability, including applications based on augmented reality and virtual reality as well as industrial Internet of Things solutions.

Beyond consumer applications, the technologies under development could also support digital transformation across sectors such as manufacturing, transportation and public services.

The partnership establishes a framework for joint technical evaluations, pilot projects and interoperability testing between the two organizations. Dedicated working groups and shared technology roadmaps will guide the collaboration as the companies explore new network capabilities.

Through this expanded partnership, Ericsson and Turkcell aim to build more advanced network infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation digital services while improving operational efficiency and connectivity performance across Türkiye.

ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality.
www.ericsson.com

ABOUT TURKCELL:
Turkcell is a technology and telecommunications company headquartered in Türkiye, offering a unique portfolio of voice, data and IPTV services over its mobile and fixed networks along with digital consumer, enterprise and techfin services. Turkcell Group operates in three countries: Türkiye, Belarus and Northern Cyprus. Listed on both the NYSE and BIST since July 2000, Turkcell remains the only dual-listed company on these exchanges. Read more at www.turkcell.com.tr

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Source: Ericsson