The 2024 General Assembly Meeting of the Access Providers Association (ESB) was held under the auspices of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, President of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, and Mehmet Çerikçi, Chairman of the ESB Board of Directors.
In his opening speech at the meeting, Sayan stated that in a period where digitalization is accelerating, internet access is not just a connection but also a fundamental component of development.
“We see access not just as establishing a connection, but as reaching the future with confidence,” said Sayan, drawing attention to how digital infrastructure has transformed all sectors, especially in the post-pandemic period.
Touching upon Turkey’s 5G journey, Sayan said, “Our priority in this technology is very clear: We will not transition to this technology without establishing a domestic 5G infrastructure.”
Stating that 6G studies are also progressing rapidly, Sayan expressed that the “Sixth Generation Mobile Communication Technologies” report prepared under the BTK is an indicator of the vision in this field.
Deputy Minister Sayan: We Will Transform the Century of Turkey into a Technology Age
Sayan, who also shared the vision behind Turkey’s technology initiative, said, “The National Technology Initiative is the name of our independence struggle in the field of technology. With our efforts, we continue to take solid steps toward a faster and more effective communication future.”
Sayan concluded his speech with the words, “I believe that together we will transform the Century of Turkey into a technology age. The future is in our hands. As long as we do not give up believing, working, and producing.”
President Karagözoğlu: BTK is Making Significant Progress in Supporting Domestic and National Technologies
In his speech, BTK President Karagözoğlu emphasized the importance of access providers in the sector, saying, ‘’Undoubtedly, access providers are one of the most strategic actors. They bear significant responsibility in many critical areas, from the development of internet infrastructure to content access management, protection of user rights, and sectoral harmonization.’’
Emphasizing that BTK is continuing its efforts without slowing down in the face of the rapidly ongoing digital transformation, Karagözoğlu said, ‘’We are continuing our infrastructure efforts without slowing down, aware of our country’s potential. Our country continues to make significant progress in areas such as digital infrastructure investments, fiber infrastructure works, 5G preparations, and support for domestic and national technologies.’’
Touching upon the increasing importance of cybersecurity with rising digitalization, Karagözoğlu said, ’’Cybersecurity, protection of personal data, children’s safety in the digital environment, and disinformation are common issues affecting all segments of society, becoming a reality in our lives alongside technology. At this point, the National Cyber Incident Response Center operates with completely domestic and national software for the security of both our country and our citizens.’’