Vertical: Retail
Application: 5G-connected robotics testing, autonomous systems demonstrations, smart device showcases, IoT testing environments, smart logistics, digital visitor experiences
Ecosystem: Opticoms
Private Network: 5G
The Istanbul Expo Center has become the first venue in Turkey to deploy a private 5G network infrastructure specifically designed for exhibition and trade show environments. German system integrator Opticoms partnered with Turkish company Advanced Systems to install this network across the facility’s 96,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space spanning 11 halls adjacent to Atatürk Airport.
The deployment operates under a temporary local-area spectrum license granted by Turkey’s national telecommunications regulator BTK. This marks what Opticoms describes as “the nation’s first indoor private 5G smart venue infrastructure” though the company acknowledges this claim relates specifically to venue-type deployments rather than private 5G networks overall in Turkey.
The network architecture incorporates several advanced features including network slicing capabilities, control and user plane separation in the core network, and edge computing functionality. These technical specifications enable the venue to support diverse applications simultaneously while maintaining performance isolation between different use cases.
Exhibition clients will be able to demonstrate and test 5G-connected robotics, autonomous systems, and smart devices within a controlled environment. The infrastructure provides secure, high-speed wireless coverage throughout all exhibition halls while supporting integration of domestic software APIs and solutions. Local SIM provisioning adds flexibility for temporary deployments during trade shows.
Kerim Serin, general manager for Opticoms in Turkey, emphasized the broader implications of the deployment: “The 5G smart venue project is not only a technical upgrade — it is a strategic investment in Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem. By enabling smart logistics, autonomous system trials, and IoT testing environments, we are creating a living lab for both startups and industrial leaders.”
The project represents a collaboration between international and domestic expertise, with Munich-based Opticoms bringing experience from deployments across Europe and the Middle East.
Ferruh Denizaşan, general manager at Advanced Systems, outlined the long-term vision for the deployment: “Our goal is to provide a future-proof 5G infrastructure that companies can use to develop and showcase their technologies under real-world conditions. From smart manufacturing to digital visitor experiences, this venue will host the future of connected solutions.”
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce provides backing for the initiative, reflecting institutional support for advancing Turkey’s position in private 5G innovation. The deployment comes as Turkey prepares for broader 5G commercialization, with government officials indicating that nationwide 5G services should be available by 2026 following completion of spectrum auctions.
This venue-focused approach allows companies to experiment with 5G applications in a controlled environment before broader network availability. The Istanbul Expo Center hosts approximately 100 exhibitions annually, providing numerous opportunities for technology demonstrations and real-world testing of 5G-enabled solutions.
