The number of mobile phone users in Pakistan has surged to an impressive 193.35 million by the end of September 2024, up from 193.10 million at the close of August, according to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
This growth reflects the country’s expanding telecommunication landscape and the increasing reliance on mobile connectivity.
The PTA’s report also highlighted a notable rise in the number of 3G and 4G subscribers, which climbed from 137.92 million at the end of August to 138.73 million by the end of September 2024. This translates to a marginal increase in Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration, which rose from 56.72 percent to 56.96 percent. Meanwhile, cellular teledensity—the measure of mobile connections per hundred individuals—remained stable at 79 percent during the same period.
Despite the overall growth, individual performance among cellular service providers exhibited variability. Jazz reported a decrease in its 3G subscriber base, dropping from 2.718 million at the end of August to 2.443 million by September. Conversely, Jazz’s 4G subscribers rose from 48.843 million to 49.418 million during the same timeframe.
Zong experienced a similar trend, with its 3G users declining from 1.932 million to 1.912 million. However, the number of Zong’s 4G users increased from 37.627 million to 37.869 million. Telenor also saw a drop in its 3G subscribers, which fell from 1.519 million to 1.481 million, while its 4G user base expanded from 25.189 million to 25.399 million.
Ufone’s performance mirrored these trends, with its 3G subscribers decreasing from 2.167 million to 2.143 million. However, its 4G user count grew from 16.243 million to 16.368 million.
In September 2024, the PTA registered 17,324 complaints from telecom consumers regarding various service operators. Remarkably, 99 percent of these complaints—amounting to 17,151—were resolved. Most grievances originated from cellular mobile operators (CMOs), which accounted for the bulk of complaints within the telecom sector. A total of 16,726 complaints were logged against CMOs, with 16,571 (99.1 percent) addressed.
Breaking down the complaints by provider, Jazz faced 6,506 complaints, resolving 6,487 (99.7 percent). Telenor had 3,778 complaints, with 3,705 (98.1 percent) resolved. Zong received 4,365 complaints, of which 4,331 (99.2 percent) were addressed. Ufone had 2,051 complaints, resolving 2,024 (98.7 percent). Additionally, the PTA received 154 complaints related to basic telephony, resolving 145, achieving a resolution rate of 94.2 percent, and 433 complaints against internet service providers (ISPs), with 424 (97.9 percent) addressed.
Overall, the steady increase in mobile phone users and the proactive approach of the PTA in resolving consumer complaints reflect a dynamic telecommunications environment in Pakistan.