Turkcell unveils 5G-powered intercontinental autonomous driving at TEKNOFEST Istanbul

By Mehmet Selcuk Guclu and Emir Yildirim

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish carrier and network provider Turkcell showcased its 5G-powered intercontinental autonomous driving system at Türkiye’s premier tech event TEKNOFEST in Istanbul.

Speaking at the event, Turkcell CEO Ali Taha Koc said the carrier is ready for 5G.

The five-day event opened its doors in Istanbul on Wednesday under the organization of the Turkish Technology Team (T3) Foundation and Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Ministry, with Anadolu serving as the global communications partner.

Turkcell made history at the event by remotely controlling a fully electric and homegrown autonomous vehicle in the Gebze campus of the Scientific and Technological Research Institution (Tubitak), while the Turkcell booth was at Ataturk Airport -- a distance of 60-70 kilometers (37-43 miles).

Turkcell showcased a similar feat at last year’s TEKNOFEST by remotely controlling a construction machine in the northwestern province of Kocaeli from the Turkcell booth in the southern city of Adana.

The carrier also conducted the first 5G trial from land to sea at TEKNOFEST TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).

Koc told Anadolu that Turkcell set the standards of 2G, 3G, and 4.5G in Türkiye, pledging to provide the best and the fastest 5G infrastructure to Türkiye.

He also mentioned that the firm launched a 5G positioning competition at TEKNOFEST this year, where young participants have the opportunity to use 5G and develop value-added services.

“With 5G, the 10 times faster internet will make a high impact in dense places, such as events like TEKNOFEST, stadiums, schools, cities, or concert venues -- we will be able to provide wireless internet connectivity to home users at fiber-like speeds through our Superbox,” he added.