Islamabad, August 25, 2024 – The number of cellular mobile subscribers in Pakistan continues to grow steadily, reaching nearly 193 million by the end of July 2024. According to the latest data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the total number of cellular mobile subscribers increased from 192.53 million at the end of June to 192.924 million by the end of July.
The rise in cellular mobile subscriptions is paralleled by a significant increase in the number of 3G and 4G users across the country. The PTA data revealed that the number of 3G and 4G users grew from 134.78 million in June to 136.312 million by the end of July 2024. This growth underscores the expanding reach and adoption of next-generation mobile services (NGMS) in Pakistan.
The penetration rate of NGMS in the country also saw a positive shift, increasing from 55.61 percent at the end of June to 56.15 percent by the end of July. However, the cellular teledensity, which measures the number of mobile connections per 100 individuals, remained constant at 79 percent during this period.
In terms of individual operators, Jazz, Pakistan’s largest mobile network by subscriber base, reported a decline in its 3G user base from 3.041 million in June to 2.897 million by the end of July. Conversely, its 4G user base experienced growth, rising from 47.295 million to 47.993 million during the same period.
Zong, another major operator, also saw a decrease in its 3G subscribers, dropping from 1.983 million in June to 1.955 million by the end of July. However, Zong’s 4G subscribers increased from 36.665 million to 37.153 million, indicating a continued shift towards faster data services.
Telenor’s 3G subscriber base decreased slightly from 1.588 million in June to 1.551 million by the end of July. Nevertheless, the operator experienced an increase in its 4G users, growing from 24.680 million to 24.929 million over the same timeframe.
Ufone, on the other hand, had 2.197 million 3G users by the end of July, down from 2.238 million at the end of June. Meanwhile, its 4G subscribers increased from 15.652 million in June to 15.975 million by the end of July, further highlighting the overall trend towards 4G adoption in the country.
In addition to subscriber growth, the PTA received a total of 19,188 complaints from telecom consumers in July 2024. Of these, 18,994 complaints (99 percent) were resolved, reflecting the efficiency of the telecom operators in addressing consumer grievances. The complaints were primarily against cellular mobile operators (CMOs), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), long-distance international (LDI) operators, wireless local loop (WLL) operators, and internet service providers (ISPs).
Among the CMOs, Jazz received 6,783 complaints, of which 6,771 (99.8 percent) were resolved. Telenor had 3,198 complaints, with 3,169 (99.1 percent) addressed. Zong received 6,362 complaints, resolving 6,323 (99.4 percent), while Ufone had 2,211 complaints, with a resolution rate of 95.8 percent.
Complaints against basic telephony services totaled 162, with a resolution rate of 96.9 percent. Meanwhile, 426 complaints were filed against ISPs, with 413 (96.9 percent) addressed satisfactorily.
Overall, the latest figures from the PTA highlight the dynamic growth of the telecom sector in Pakistan, with increasing subscriber numbers and expanding 4G penetration. The sector also demonstrates robust consumer service capabilities, with a high rate of complaint resolution, indicating a responsive and evolving market environment.
