Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said in his speech at the “Rising Turkey Summits” that the summit will discuss future technologies “5G and artificial intelligence” in the digitalized world under the exciting vision of an emerging Türkiye and the Turkey Century.
Stating that he sees the summit not only as an event but also as an important step towards the country's responsibility towards its future and its people, Uraloğlu said: “The world is experiencing a major and critical breaking point that occurs every decade. Nowadays, data has become the new and most strategic resource of the economy, and it is impossible for any system without digital connectivity to maintain its competitiveness.”
Explaining that in this process, the question that comes to mind is whether Türkiye will simply follow this transformation or direct it, Uraloğlu said, “Turkey will manage this transformation with God's permission.” While our sector's annual net sales have reached 620 billion liras, our investments have reached about 145 billion liras. The number of our mobile subscribers has reached 100 million, and the number of broadband Internet subscribers has reached about 98 million, increasing more than our population. Our fiber optic network infrastructure has increased.” “It has reached a length of 680,000 kilometers, that is, a length that will circle the world 17 times. Our goal is to reach 750,000 kilometers by the end of this year,” he said.
Uraloğlu pointed out that these numbers are the most concrete indicator that Türkiye has successfully built the huge infrastructure that will safely carry out its digital transformation, recalling that 5G has officially started commercial use since April 1.
“5G subscribers reach around 34 million”
Minister Uraloğlu said that on the first day, about 21 million subscribers were introduced to 5G, which was gradually put into operation in 81 provinces.
“In the interim of about 40 days, our total number reached about 34 million with 12.5 million new 5G subscribers,” Uraloğlu said, adding:
“This figure is truly remarkable and proud because it clearly shows that our citizens have adopted 5G technology extremely quickly and at a rapid pace. We will gradually expand 5G services to all parts of our country within two years.
Uraloğlu pointed out that 5G does not mean faster internet and stated that 5G is the basic infrastructure for smart factories, autonomous vehicles, remote surgery and smart cities.
Uraloğlu explained that artificial intelligence technology, which is gradually growing and is expected to exceed $400 billion in 2026 and reach $1.8 trillion in 2030, is a reality that will make life easier in many areas.
Explaining that a kidney stone crushing operation was recently performed remotely from Istanbul to Muş with a 5G connection, Uraloğlu said: “Thanks to the low latency connection of 5G and the surgical navigation systems supported by artificial intelligence, our experienced surgeons performed a precise kidney stone removal operation with remote guidance. This operation was a concrete and proud success of our country and showed that 5G and artificial intelligence have revolutionized health.”
Uraloğlu said that while the safety and efficiency of autonomous systems is increasing simultaneously with intelligent traffic management in the transportation sector, resource efficiency in the energy sector is increasing to the highest level thanks to demand forecasting and intelligent network management.
Stating that they integrated the roadside units, in-car units, lidar, radar and camera systems that they had set up with local and national resources into the 40-kilometer Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (K-AUS) corridor between Hasdal Junction and Istanbul Airport, Uraloğlu stated that they put 5G base stations in the transportation field into operation in this corridor for the first time in Turkey.
“We monitor tunnels and bridges around the clock with intelligent cameras and sensors”
Stating that at automatic train control stations, critical components such as wheels, brakes and axle bearings of moving trains are immediately scanned with artificial intelligence and possible malfunctions are detected before they occur, Uraloğlu said:
“Thanks to this system, which we developed in collaboration with TCDD-TÜBİTAK, we optimize maintenance processes, reduce unexpected interruptions and ensure the continuity of the journey. At our monitoring center in Ankara Eryaman, we monitor tunnels and bridges around the clock with smart cameras and sensors and intervene by predetermining natural disaster risks with analysis supported by artificial intelligence. In the maritime domain, we detect danger signals within seconds and minutes and take action in coordination with the International Satellite Assisted a search and rescue system (COSPAS-SARSAT).
With our artificial intelligence-powered search and rescue portal project, we will conduct faster and more effective rescue operations that touch lives. Our Antalya Airport was put into operation with the “ATC Tower”, an advanced air traffic control system. “This infrastructure, supported by our domestic and national electronic flight strip and digital takeoff clearance systems, is also in the certification phase at Ankara Esenboğa and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airports, and we will soon put them into operation according to the same standards.”
“Türkiye is no longer just a technology consumer”
Pointing out that cybersecurity is an integral part of national security in the digital transformation, Minister Uraloğlu said, “At this point, we have reached a significant level of maturity with our strategy and technical infrastructure that we have created with the vision of becoming an international cybersecurity brand.”
Stating that Türkiye is among the “Level 1 Model Countries” and has achieved full marks in all sections of the International Telecommunication Union's Global Cyber Security Index, Uraloğlu emphasized that they are not satisfied with just improving the infrastructure on the path of digital transformation, but are also taking decisive steps to make the digital ecosystem more secure, responsible and people-oriented.
Stating that they have reached another important milestone with the regulation of social media and gaming platforms, Uraloğlu said that the regulation is a humane approach that does not ban social media but transforms it into a safer and more responsible medium, protects children from risks and strengthens families.
Stating that they successfully held the Global Regulators Symposium organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority in Ankara, Uraloğlu said:
“This symposium has once again demonstrated Türkiye's vision of leadership in digital transformation at the international level. Turkey today is not only a consumer of technology, but is also among the countries that shape its rules, set its standards and steer the global digital future. In the world of digital transformation, we fundamentally meet two types of countries: those that only import and consume technology from abroad, and those that produce it. Türkiye's goal and place here are extremely clear.
We launched our local and national communications satellite TÜRKSAT 6A last year, which we produced at a local production rate of over 80 percent, becoming one of the 11 countries capable of producing this technology. Now TÜRKSAT 7A is also on the move. Our own cars, communication and observation satellites, UAVs/SIHAs, helicopters, ships, electric trains, subways, local and national cybersecurity systems… In short, we are among those who produce. “We see investments in domestic artificial intelligence infrastructure like this as a necessity.”
“Our successes so far are just the beginning for us”
Stating that they are trying to train a skilled workforce, Minister Uraloğlu said, “Education investments in important areas such as data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and software are essentially the most strategic investment in our country's future.”
Referring to the online training platform BTK Academy, Uraloğlu said: “BTK Academy offered 23 new free and certified training courses. 18 of them are directly focused on the field of artificial intelligence.” he said.
Uraloğlu continued his words as follows:
“Today we have a Turkey that has implemented 5G infrastructure, paved the way for artificial intelligence applications, strengthened its cybersecurity and is rapidly expanding its domestic technology ecosystem. Our achievements to date are just the beginning for us. We must manage this major and historic change together as public, private sectors, universities and entrepreneurs.”
Stating that the ministry took all precautionary measures during the Eid al-Adha period, Uraloğlu wished traveling citizens a safe journey.
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