Istanbul Expo Center (IFM), one of the largest exhibition venues in the region, has become the first in Türkiye to launch an indoor 5G Private Network. The deployment, executed by Opticoms in partnership with Advanced Systems Sanayi ve Dış Ticaret Ltd (ADSYS), is designed to turn IFM into a next-generation smart venue for digital trade fairs.

With over 96,000 m² of exhibition space spread across 11 halls, the center’s new infrastructure offers secure, high-capacity, and low-latency connectivity to support real-time technology trials, digital showcases, and enterprise-grade IoT solutions.

Key Connectivity Challenges for Modern Trade Fairs

Modern trade fairs are rapidly evolving into tech-driven ecosystems requiring seamless wireless coverage and dynamic service customization. The Istanbul Expo Center faced several challenges:

• High-Density Environments: Thousands of devices and visitors requiring simultaneous high-speed connections.

• Testing and Demonstrations: Lack of a secure, low-latency network for robotics, smart devices, and Industry 4.0 applications.

• Data Security: Ensuring controlled and private communications for exhibitors testing proprietary technologies.

• Scalability: Need for a flexible network that can evolve with emerging use cases.

These challenges highlighted the necessity for a dedicated 5G infrastructure tailored to dynamic enterprise and public demands.

Türkiye’s First 5G Private Network Transforming Istanbul Expo Center

Opticoms and ADSYS deployed Türkiye’s first private 5G network at IFM using a temporary spectrum license granted by Türkiye’s telecommunications regulator BTK. The infrastructure integrates network slicing, control/user plane separation (CUPS), and edge computing to create a “living lab” for digital innovation.

Key Capabilities:

• Network Slicing: Supports multiple virtualized networks for different exhibitors and use cases simultaneously.

• Real-Time IoT and Robotics Testing: Enables demonstrations of autonomous systems, smart manufacturing solutions, and connected devices under real-world conditions.

• Secure, High-Speed Coverage: Provides uninterrupted wireless connectivity across all 11 halls.

• Domestic Software Integration: Incorporates local APIs and solutions, strengthening Türkiye’s digital ecosystem.

• Local SIM Provisioning: Offers enhanced network security and flexibility for enterprise deployments.

How the 5G Deployment is Powering Türkiye’s Digital Innovation Ecosystem

Kerim Serin, General Manager of Opticoms Türkiye, described the deployment as “a strategic investment in Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem,” highlighting its role in enabling smart logistics, IoT testing, and enterprise collaboration.

Ferruh Denizaşan, General Manager at ADSYS, emphasized the venue’s potential as a hub for connected solutions: “From smart manufacturing to digital visitor experiences, this venue will host the future of connected applications.”

The initiative was supported by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) and guided by IFM’s leadership, with strategic oversight ensuring the project aligned with national innovation goals.

Building a Future-Proof Private 5G Network for IFM

The private 5G infrastructure was designed with a future-proof architecture combining:

• Private 5G Core and RAN: To deliver low-latency and high-throughput communications.

• Edge Computing: To enable local data processing for time-sensitive applications.

• Open Integration: Support for domestic and international software ecosystems.

• Scalable Orchestration: Built to accommodate additional services such as AR/VR experiences and AI-powered analytics.

Benefits of 5G Smart Venues for Trade Fairs and IoT

• Next-Gen Trade Fair Experiences: Enhanced digital showcases with AR/VR and interactive displays powered by reliable connectivity.

• Enterprise Innovation: Real-world testing environment for startups and industrial leaders.

• Operational Efficiency: Smart logistics and automated visitor management through IoT and AI.

• Security and Flexibility: Private SIM provisioning ensures enterprise-grade data protection.

• Economic Growth: Positions Türkiye as a regional leader in private 5G and digital trade facilitation.

How Private 5G Networks are Shaping Smart Venues and Digital Trade

The Istanbul Expo Center deployment sets a precedent for private 5G networks in smart venues, industry 4.0 trials, and digital trade ecosystems. It demonstrates how 5G can transform large-scale event spaces into innovation hubs supporting IoT, robotics, and immersive experiences.

The model is scalable to other exhibition centers, sports arenas, and smart cities seeking advanced connectivity and localized control.

Opticoms and ADSYS Driving Türkiye’s Private 5G Deployment

Opticoms provided the end-to-end system integration, network architecture, and ongoing support, leveraging its expertise in private 4G/5G and edge computing. ADSYS handled local implementation and integration with domestic solutions to align with Türkiye’s regulatory and innovation framework.

Collaboration Between İTO and BTK in Supporting 5G Innovation

• Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO): Supported the initiative to enhance the city’s competitiveness in global trade fairs.

• BTK: Enabled the project through temporary spectrum licensing, fostering experimentation and private network innovation.

Project Timeline: Launching Türkiye’s First 5G Smart Exhibition Venue

• July 2025: Deployment completed and Türkiye’s first private 5G smart venue officially launched.

• Ongoing: Continuous support and onboarding for enterprises, with future expansion planned for AI, AR/VR, and advanced logistics applications.

Leadership Perspectives on Istanbul Expo Center’s 5G Network

“The 5G smart venue project is not only a technical upgrade — it is a strategic investment in Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem.” – Kerim Serin, General Manager, Opticoms Türkiye.

“Our goal is to provide a future-proof 5G infrastructure that companies can use to develop and showcase their technologies under real-world conditions.” – Ferruh Denizaşan, General Manager, Advanced Systems Ltd.