Turkcell Joins Six International R&D Projects to Shape 6G and AI Standards
Turkey's leading operator is collaborating with European partners to develop autonomous networks, resilient emergency infrastructure, and AI-driven hardware recycling.
Turkcell is expanding its footprint in the global research ecosystem by joining six international projects focused on 6G, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. The initiative marks a strategic effort by the Turkish telecommunications leader to move beyond service provision and actively influence the international standards of next-generation connectivity.
Supported by programs including Horizon Europe and EUREKA, the projects span a wide array of technical frontiers. Through the MAGIC-6G project, Turkcell is developing Large Language Model (LLM)-based services designed to automate network management for telecom operators. Similarly, the FUTURE-6G project—the first of its kind from Turkey to be accepted under the MSCA Industrial Doctoral Networks—focuses on AI-powered decision-making and autonomous network operations.
Beyond software, the company is tackling physical connectivity and sustainability. The 3D-NET project, supported by TÜBİTAK and EUREKA/CELTIC-Next, aims for "connectivity everywhere" by integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to ensure coverage during crises. On the environmental front, the RESURRECTION project utilizes AI and robotics to automate the disassembly and remanufacturing of modems, promoting a circular production model for hardware.
Strengthening Critical Infrastructure
A significant portion of Turkcell's research is dedicated to resilience during extraordinary situations. The company is coordinating the UNIFIER project, which seeks to build a hybrid communication infrastructure to facilitate inter-institutional cooperation during emergencies. Additionally, through the SAFARI project, Turkcell is leading the development of autonomous communication solutions to ensure the continuity of 112 emergency services across the telecom, energy, and transport sectors.
Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Turkcell Deputy General Manager for Network Technologies, stated that the company's roles in coordination and technical leadership within these European programs are a "significant indicator of the confidence placed in our international R&D strength."
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
This shift toward autonomous, AI-driven management reflects a broader industry trend where networks must become self-healing and self-optimizing to handle the complexity of 6G. By integrating AI into the hardware lifecycle via the RESURRECTION project, Turkcell is also addressing the growing electronic waste crisis, aligning technical advancement with environmental sustainability.
For the broader market, these collaborations elevate Turkey's standing within the EU research landscape. As these projects progress, the industry will be watching how these LLM-based operator services and hybrid emergency infrastructures transition from research prototypes to scalable, real-world deployments. The success of these initiatives will likely determine how quickly autonomous network management becomes a standard feature for global carriers.