Vodafone Türkiye has been named the most reliable and highest performing mobile network operator both across Türkiye and specifically in Istanbul, according to the latest benchmarking tests conducted by global telecommunications consultancy umlaut. The recognition solidifies Vodafone’s leadership in 4.5G services just ahead of the country’s anticipated 5G spectrum auction, expected to be held in the coming months.
As part of its commitment to lead Türkiye’s digital transformation, Vodafone continues to expand its infrastructure investments. The company announced that it has surpassed 300 billion Turkish lira in cumulative real-term investments, making it one of Türkiye’s largest international investors in the telecom sector.
4.5G Excellence Confirmed by Independent Benchmarking
umlaut’s nationwide performance test focused on real user experience, assessing operators’ voice and data services based on a combination of controlled drive tests and crowd-sourced data. The firm utilized Samsung Galaxy S23+ devices to measure service quality across urban centers, rural areas, and highway routes, offering a broad perspective on the quality of Türkiye’s mobile networks.
Vodafone Türkiye achieved a score of 885 out of 1000, securing the top national position. The operator also led in:
Voice performance: 252/270 points
Data performance: 412/480 points
Crowdsourced service quality: 221/250 points
In Istanbul, Vodafone scored 893 out of 1000, also securing first place for overall mobile performance in the city.
Vodafone Rewards Customers with Free Data Campaign in Istanbul
To celebrate this milestone, Vodafone launched a free mobile internet campaign exclusively for its Istanbul customers. Existing postpaid users in the city will receive 34 GB of free internet valid for 3 days, while new customers porting their numbers to Vodafone will be gifted the same amount of data valid for a full month.
CEO Engin Aksoy: We Are 5G Ready
Commenting on the test results, Vodafone Türkiye CEO Engin Aksoy said:
“As one of Türkiye’s largest international investors, we are proud of our contribution to the country’s digital infrastructure. This year alone, we became the largest investor in mobile network infrastructure in the Turkish telecom sector. Our consistent efforts over the years have culminated in our network being recognized by umlaut as the most reliable and best-performing in both Türkiye and Istanbul.”
He added that Vodafone’s current 4.5G performance demonstrates its readiness for 5G deployment:
“The upcoming 5G auction is a critical milestone for Türkiye’s digital future. It is essential that the auction is structured with reasonable costs and sustainable obligations so that the benefits of 5G technology can be widely realized.”
umlaut CEO Commends Vodafone’s Progress
umlaut CEO Hakan Ekmen congratulated Vodafone Türkiye on the achievement:
“Vodafone has taken major steps toward improving its network, and our tests confirm that their 4.5G connectivity is both high in quality and reliability. Vodafone’s network ranked first in both Türkiye and Istanbul based on our comprehensive benchmark evaluations.”
Methodology Focused on Real-World Mobile Experience
umlaut’s evaluation included a mix of drive tests conducted in motion — using vehicles to collect data from major cities, towns, and connecting routes — and crowd-sourced data from end-users across Türkiye. This dual-method approach ensures a more accurate representation of network performance from a consumer standpoint.
The tests evaluated performance across multiple categories:
Voice clarity and call success rates
Download and upload speeds
Connection reliability
Latency and video streaming performance
Vodafone outperformed its competitors in nearly all key metrics, confirming its leadership position in both user experience and technical reliability.
Investments to Date Exceed 300 Billion TL
According to CEO Aksoy, Vodafone’s total real-term investment in Türkiye has now exceeded 300 billion TL, with a large portion dedicated to expanding and upgrading its mobile infrastructure. These efforts have positioned Vodafone as the top investor in mobile infrastructure for the most recent fiscal year.
The company also continues to support digitalization in public services, SME connectivity, and education access via smart platforms and strategic partnerships.
Ready for 5G – A Sustainable Vision
With the 5G spectrum auction on the horizon, Vodafone reiterated its readiness to take on the next generation of mobile communication. The company has already conducted extensive 5G trials and plans to launch commercial services as soon as spectrum is available.
Aksoy emphasized that Vodafone advocates for a 5G framework that balances investment with obligations, allowing for quicker adoption and higher economic returns for Türkiye.
Why Vodafone Leads in Türkiye’s Digital Future
Highest scoring 4.5G network in national and Istanbul-specific umlaut tests
Over 300 billion TL in real-term investments in Türkiye
Advanced infrastructure and capacity prepared for 5G rollout
Customer-first strategy with data rewards and improved digital services
Strong voice, data, and crowd-sourced performance scores
Conclusion Without a Label
Vodafone Türkiye’s top ranking in umlaut’s mobile network benchmarking confirms its role as a leader in reliable, high-quality digital connectivity. With continued investment, a strong customer base, and 5G ambitions, the company stands ready to help shape Türkiye’s digital transformation — from rural towns to megacities like Istanbul.
As the industry prepares for a new technological chapter, Vodafone’s current 4.5G excellence proves it is not just connected to the present, but clearly aligned with the future.
