Türk Telekom Achieves a European First!
Wi-Fi 8 Powers Through Challenging Conditions
Türk Telekom, a driving force behind Türkiye’s digital transformation, continues its efforts to develop next-generation connectivity technologies and validate their performance under real-world conditions. Leading the way in next-generation connectivity and contributing to international standard-setting efforts, Türk Telekom has become the first operator in Europe to test the innovative capabilities of Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn), the next generation of wireless connectivity technology, in a multi-device mesh architecture through real-world use cases. As one of the few operators worldwide to conduct real-world testing of Wi-Fi 8, Türk Telekom evaluated its performance in areas with weak signal coverage due to distance from the modem, high-density environments where multiple devices are connected simultaneously, and high-interference settings created by numerous overlapping wireless networks. Through these pioneering trials, Türk Telekom successfully validated Wi-Fi 8’s next-generation capabilities designed to deliver more stable, efficient, and reliable connectivity under dynamic and challenging network conditions.
“We are preparing for tomorrow’s technologies today”
Zafer Orhan, Chief Network Officer at Türk Telekom, said: “With our fiber network connecting all 81 provinces end to end, we provide high-speed internet access across Türkiye while building a robust digital backbone for the technologies of the future. We conduct R&D activities in next-generation network technologies and contribute to the development of global standards through our pioneering work in connectivity. Türk Telekom’s strength in R&D and innovation is reflected in its tangible achievements. Having led Türkiye in patent applications in 2024, the company maintained its lead in 2025 with 921 applications, bringing its total for the past three years to more than 2,000. Its second-place ranking among European telecom operators in Web of Science this year further highlights its contributions to scientific research and output. Over the past two years, Türk Telekom has played a pioneering role in shaping international telecommunications standards on behalf of Türkiye. During this period, it has made more contributions than any other Turkish company to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). In line with our responsibility to bring the latest connectivity technologies to Türkiye, we closely follow developments around the world and integrate technologies that will enhance efficiency and elevate the customer experience into our network. As we did with Wi-Fi 7, we tested Wi-Fi 8, the next generation of wireless networking technology, under real-world home conditions across a range of scenarios. In addition to being the first operator in Europe to conduct these tests, we are among the few operators worldwide carrying out such studies and contributing to the development of industry standards. Wi-Fi 8 is a technology designed not only to deliver high speeds over wireless connections, but also to ensure that connectivity remains stable, efficient and reliable under varying conditions. As part of our trials, we tested the technology under conditions users encounter in everyday life, including weak signal coverage, high device density and high-interference environments, and validated the new capabilities offered by Wi-Fi 8. The results we have achieved already demonstrate the potential of the next generation of wireless connectivity. We will continue our efforts with determination to bring next-generation communications technologies to Türkiye, deliver the highest level of customer experience and contribute to the development of global standards.”
Higher Performance Across Different Environments with Wi-Fi 8
Türk Telekom conducted real-world tests in areas where signal levels experienced by users are affected by factors such as distance from the modem and physical obstacles, demonstrating that Wi-Fi 8 delivers stronger connectivity and higher data transmission performance compared with Wi-Fi 7. Türk Telekom also carried out real-world testing of Unequal Modulation (UEQM), one of Wi-Fi 8’s new capabilities. The tests showed that Wi-Fi 8 preserves the high performance of data streams with strong signal levels while maintaining connection continuity for streams operating under weaker signal conditions. Tests involving UEQM also demonstrated improvements in data transmission speeds compared with Wi-Fi 7. The results of Türk Telekom’s real-world trials were consistent with Wi-Fi 8’s architecture, which is designed to enhance not only speed but also connection reliability. The tests also demonstrated that Wi-Fi 8 can enable more efficient use of network resources in high-density environments such as event venues, cafés and libraries, where large numbers of devices are active simultaneously. Türk Telekom tested Wi-Fi 8 under high-interference conditions caused by dozens of wireless networks operating simultaneously across multiple locations. Measurements showed lower packet loss compared with previous generations of wireless networking technologies. Through these pioneering real-world trials, Türk Telekom demonstrated that Wi-Fi 8 can help deliver more reliable and stable connectivity in environments where wireless network density and data traffic continue to increase. Türk Telekom will continue its efforts to help shape the future of wireless connectivity and contribute to international standards through joint projects with its global partners.
Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, said, “Wi-Fi 8 represents an important next step in the evolution of Wi-Fi, with a growing focus on reliability, consistency and delivering stronger performance in real-world environments. As WBA advances its Wi-Fi 8 program, we welcome Türk Telekom’s early lab testing and practical exploration of emerging capabilities. This type of early testing and validation is extremely valuable in helping the industry understand how Wi-Fi 8 technologies can translate into future operator networks and customer experiences. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Türk Telekom and the wider ecosystem as IEEE 802.11bn evolves, and to seeing Wi-Fi 8 build on its promise of more reliable and predictable connectivity.”
