Net Insight included in Türk Telekom Press Release together with GSMA

Türk Telekom and Net Insight Establish the World’s Largest Satellite-Independent Synchronization Network

Türk Telekom continues to achieve global breakthroughs, setting new standards for next-generation communication with its commitment to developing and exporting domestic and national technologies. As the world’s first operator to comprehensively implement the Satellite-Independent Time Synchronization Transmission Solution, co-developed with Turkish engineers, Türk Telekom is now establishing the world’s largest satellite-independent synchronization network. This pioneering initiative, realized in collaboration with Net Insight, a global leader in technology solutions, was announced at the GSMA Mobile World Congress. Recognized by the GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators worldwide, as an important solution for delivering TDD synchronization in 5G networks. The innovation enables high-precision time synchronization over the network without relying on satellite connections. It also fully meets the requirements of 5G and future technologies. By significantly reducing synchronization investment costs and enhancing service continuity in 5G, the solution contributes to global standardization, with the potential for widespread adoption worldwide.

Türk Telekom, the pioneer of Türkiye’s digital transformation, continues to achieve global breakthroughs by advancing the innovative solutions it has developed to shape the future with next-generation technologies. As part of this vision, Türk Telekom is establishing the world’s largest satellite-independent synchronization network for the Satellite-Independent Time Synchronization Transmission Solution, initiated and developed with the contributions of local engineers. This groundbreaking initiative, realized in collaboration with Türk Telekom and Net Insight, a global leader in technology solutions, was announced at the GSMA Mobile World Congress. The innovative solution provides network-based synchronization without reliance on GPS/GNSS satellites, significantly reducing infrastructure investment costs for operators while ensuring seamless service continuity.

A Solution Supported by the GSMA

To advance the standardization of this pioneering technology—designed to deliver GPS/GNSS-independent, stable synchronization services to mobile operators worldwide for 5G—a new work item has been initiated within the International Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), officially launching the standardization process. As the organization representing mobile operators worldwide, the GSMA, underscores the critical importance of ensuring precise and sustainable TDD synchronization. The GSMA recognizes the importance of the adoption of next-generation solutions across networks to achieve seamless TDD synchronization. Recognizing Türk Telekom’simplementation of this technology as an important model, the GSMA recommends the widespread adoption of similar innovations across 5G networks.

“We are at the forefront of transforming the mobile communication ecosystem on a global scale”

Zafer Orhan, CNO of Türk Telekom stated: “We became the first operator to build the largest satellite-independent network with our next-generation synchronization solution, developed in collaboration with Net Insight—a critical advancement for 5G and future technologies. We see significant global potential for this innovative solution, which will not only reduce costs but also enhance service continuity for mobile operators and sectors with critical time synchronization requirements. Our solution fully meets the synchronization needs essential for 5G deployment. Following the completion of the international patent and productization process, our pioneering, satellite-independent time synchronization solution is now progressing steadily toward global standardization. We consider the GSMA’s support as a key indicator that we are successfully advancing on the right path. We take pride in developing satellite-independent solutions for operators and standardization institutions worldwide. This achievement will not only shape Türkiye’s digital future but also lead the transformation of the global mobile communications ecosystem.”

“MENA leads the opportunity of 5G growth and performance. 5G adoption in the region is set to accelerate from 2025 onwards, reaching half of the region’s population by the end of the decade.” Said Jawad Abbassi, GSMA’s Head of MENA. “This initiative comes at the right time for the future of mobile services worldwide”.

 “The ultimate performance of 5G depends on many technical and regulatory factors, including sufficient, affordable and timely spectrum assignments.” said Luciana Camargos, Head of Spectrum at the GSMA. “As most 5G networks are implemented on a TDD band plan, one factor that is equally important is the technical approach to how networks coexist so they can operate in the most efficient way possible. Advanced TDD synchronization solutions, such as the one created by Turk Telecom and Net Insight, are key for the continued sustainable growth of 5G and beyond.”

“We are pleased with our close partnership with Türk Telekom, a progressive operator that continuously pushes the limits for new and innovative solutions.” says Crister Fritzson, CEO of Net Insight. “Not only is Türk Telekom establishing the largest synchronization network of its kind, but it was also the first operator to adopt this pioneering approach. This milestone underscores its strength, as Net Insight is now seeing strong and increasing demand from other leading telecom operators worldwide, with over 10 commercial deployments already in place. Together, we are securing a leading-edge solution that transforms the economics of deploying secure and resilient 5G TDD and 5G standalone networks,”

A Nationwide Network Across Türkiye

With this solution, Türk Telekom aims to establish a network infrastructure that will provide nationwide coverage across Türkiye. While the network offers multiple redundancy options, including regional, geographical, satellite, and atomic clocks, its centralized system ensures the most precise delivery of the synchronization service required for 5G base stations. Türk Telekom also plans to introduce this innovative solution, developed in collaboration with Net Insight, to the global market and promote its adoption within the international telecommunications ecosystem.

Critical step for 5G and beyond

Türk Telekom’s Satellite Independent Time Synchronization Transmission Solution is designed to deliver GPS/GNSS-independent, stable synchronization services to mobile operators worldwide for 5G, addressing the needs of key sectors such as telecommunications, energy, and finance. By providing the precise timing required for 5G application deployment, the solution also ensures readiness to meet the synchronization demands of 6G technologies, with the international standardization process for 6G scheduled to commence in 2025.