Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan made important statements regarding the agenda at the "Data Center Expo" event.
Speaking at the event held in Istanbul, Deputy Minister Sayan discussed the importance of data. Noting that developments such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things are increasing the amount of data day by day, Sayan also mentioned the impacts of 5G. Stating that 5G addresses mobile technologies, different use cases, and business models with varying requirements, committing to fully enable a mobile and connected society, Sayan said, “5G technology will play an important role in strengthening socio-economic transformations by increasing productivity, sustainability, efficiency, and overall welfare levels. It is expected to bring growth in new capabilities that enhance performance by offering connectivity, mobile traffic capacity, higher throughput, lower latency, ultra-high reliability, higher connection density, and a wider range of speeds. In the future, billions of objects, sensors, and machines will also be integrated into this network. Connectivity, capacity, security, and quality of service stand out as the most important elements of such networking. 5G will play a significant role in realizing digital transformation.”
Expressing expectations for the commercial launch of 5G in 2020 and the development of IoT applications with 5G mobile broadband technology, Sayan stated, “The world's largest communication brands are preparing to provide services with 5G networks. Since 5G is a new technology, it is not currently possible to know all of its impacts. As telecommunications companies begin offering trial 5G services to their customers, we will gradually see some other effects of 5G on data centers. With 5G, capacity will increase, and many changes will be observed from autonomous vehicles to smart cities, connected devices to more effective and efficient business life. Deployment of 5G worldwide is also planned in the 2020s.”
Referring to Turkey's efforts in this regard, Sayan said, “We are taking all necessary steps with our Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and our Information and Communication Technologies Authority to transition to 5G as simultaneously as possible with the world, using domestic and national capabilities as much as possible. We have established the 5G Valley Open Test Field to provide a neutral and free testing-trial area for our technology developers. With the support of our operators Türk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone, we have designated the area between ODTÜ, Hacettepe, and Bilkent campuses as Turkey's priority 5G test-trial field. Currently, the first test-trial studies have begun in 5G Valley. Beneficiaries including our major technology companies, our most prestigious universities, entrepreneurial companies, and master's-PhD students are bringing their exciting projects to develop at 5G Valley.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: Turkey's Data Will Stay in Turkey
Emphasizing that data is the oil of today, Sayan said, “It is hardly possible to set limits on the importance of data. Because we are talking about a highly important topic for all sectors you can think of. Secure and cost-effective storage of growing data volumes and instant access to data is a crucial issue for all sectors. For this reason, organizations are sending the generated data to cloud service providers more and more each day to focus on their businesses and gain economic strength. Many countries around the world have undertaken initiatives to establish data centers. Especially technologically advanced countries are implementing incentives such as tax reductions and financial support to increase investments in data center establishments. Nearly half of the 500,000 data centers in the world today are located in North America and Europe.”
Noting that data centers are increasingly becoming an investment area in Turkey as well, Sayan stated that the main important thing is to ensure data security. Reiterating that USOM under the BTK roof works 24/7 to ensure cybersecurity, Sayan said, “Turkey's data must stay in Turkey. The unstoppable growth of data volume may cause data to fall into the wrong hands while opening it to the access of the outside world. Remember that while technology always offers us certain opportunities, it also has the power to destroy some things. No one can guarantee that the power of the technology we fully benefit from will not one day turn into a tool of pressure over us. Except for one case. That is the existence of a technology we possess entirely with our own capabilities. For this reason, we emphasize everywhere, every opportunity, the importance of producing our own technology and keeping our own data within our country's borders.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: Do Not Share Your Information Without Verifying the Authenticity of Web Addresses
Scam incidents increasing during promotional discount days presented under names like "legendary, magnificent, fantastic" and rapidly spreading in Turkey were also on Sayan's agenda. Stating that virtual scammers can resort to very different methods, Sayan provided the information that "Virtual scammers access important personal information such as users' bank account details and passwords, leading to significant financial losses."
Reminding that in these days when online shopping is intense, methods from click fraud to internet banking scams, fake websites mimicking the originals to fake links are used to defraud users, Sayan said, "With correct information, sufficient attention, and conscious internet usage habits, it is possible to prevent such negative incidents."
Sayan made the following evaluations:
"Do not share any personal information such as credit cards or addresses without verifying the authenticity of web pages. Remember, fake websites are often published with just a single letter change. Use virtual cards for online shopping. This prevents credit card information from being stolen and avoids major financial losses. Use two-factor authentication in online shopping and mobile banking transactions.
To protect against 'Phishing' attacks, do not click on unreliable, suspicious links. On the internet and social sharing networks, be cautious when encountering discounted, promotional pricing much lower than normal. Do not buy a product you don't need just because it's on discount. If you encounter a suspicious incident, immediately contact your bank and block your cards."