5G Technology Campus Experience at ITU

5G Technology Campus, established through the cooperation of Istanbul Technical University, Turkcell and Ericsson, was launched with a protocol signed on April 15, 2024. In the unit established at ITU Ayazağa Campus within the scope of the R&D cooperation that brings together the private sector and academia, 5G technologies will be developed and contributions will be made to the training of qualified human resources. The autonomous bus used in the campus is among the first studies focuses on by the Technology Campus.

“5G Technology Campus”, which brings together the academic strength of Istanbul Technical University with the technological expertise of Turkcell and Ericsson, started its activities at ITU Ayazağa Campus. Following the signing ceremony attended by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu, Turkcell General Manager Ali Taha Koç and Ericsson Türkiye General Manager Işıl Yalçın, connection speed and efficiency measurements were made on the autonomous bus supported by Turkcell 5G test infrastructure.

The R&D collaboration between ITU, Turkcell and Ericsson will provide students and academics the opportunity to work actively in research and development projects for 5G. The project is also expected to play an important role in training qualified human resources for the telecommunications ecosystem and technology industry. The 5G test network built on Turkcell’s superior fiber infrastructure will offer services integrated with Turkcell management systems with the core network provided by Ericsson and the latest generation smart antennas.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu said, “As Istanbul Technical University, we play a leading role not only in education and research but also in innovation and technology transfer. This R&D collaboration with Turkcell and Ericsson brings together the academic expertise of our university with industry and technology, providing unique opportunities for our students and researchers. The 5G Technology Campus expands the boundaries of science by providing an environment where academic research can be translated into real-world applications. The 5G test network established here will serve as a testing ground for our researchers to explore how these new technologies can improve people’s lives. Additionally, it will provide an ideal opportunity for our students to participate in 5G studies and actively contribute to the development of innovative information and communication technology solutions. In doing so, we will also contribute to strengthening the talent pool in the technology field.”

Turkcell General Manager Dr. Ali Taha Koç said the following about the signed protocol: “As Turkcell, we support any innovative approach that will make our country more competitive on the global technology map. The next-generation 5G technology will have a transformative impact on all industries, from education to health, transportation to industry, in the near future. Through this collaboration with Istanbul Technical University and Ericsson, we bring together academics and young minds with the business community and implement various use-case scenarios and practical applications of the latest technologies.”

Ericsson Türkiye General Manager Işıl Yalçın commented as, “At Ericsson, we are committed to continuing the development of the technology and R&D ecosystem in collaboration with Türkiye’s leading academic institutions and communication service providers. The initiation of the 5G Technology Campus at Istanbul Technical University is a step in our joint efforts to build a more connected digital future using emerging technologies. Ericsson and Turkcell have been in a close partnership since the introduction of 2G mobile communication in Türkiye. The two companies have been closely collaborating to establish state-of-the-art mobile telecommunications networks to enhance the quality of life in the country and the region, empower businesses, and support sustainable development. We are delighted to be part of this important collaboration in establishing the 5G Technology Campus at Istanbul Technical University.”