Galatasaray-AZ Alkmaar match hosts 5G tests

Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure conducted its 5G technology test at RAMS Park during the UEFA Europa League play-off knockout match between Galatasaray and Dutch club AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Fans attending the match had the opportunity to experience 5G technology firsthand, testing high-speed internet connectivity inside the stadium.

“After testing 5G at Istanbul Airport and 33 production facilities, we are now bringing this experience to stadiums. We continue our efforts to expand 5G across Türkiye rapidly,” Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said in a post on X.

A person holds an iPhone 14 Pro inside a stadium, displaying a speed test result on the screen — A fan captures a speed test showing over 1 Gbps download speed on a 5G network during the Galatasaray-AZ Alkmaar match at RAMS Park, in Istanbul, on Feb. 20, 2025. (Photo via X/@a_uraloglu)

Türkiye to launch 5G in 2026

Minister Uraloglu emphasized that 5G will enable faster internet speeds and enhanced connectivity. The 5G spectrum auction is scheduled for this year, with commercial use expected to begin in 2026.

5G is the fifth-generation wireless network technology that offers significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than its predecessors, enabling advanced applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and ultra-reliable communications.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray drew 2-2 with AZ Alkmaar, resulting in their elimination from the UEFA Europa League.