Pakistan’s 3G/4G Users Surge, PTA Reports August Growth

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported an increase in the number of cellular subscribers, rising from 192.924 million at the end of July to 193.098 million by the end of August 2024.

According to PTA data, the number of 3G and 4G users in the country also witnessed growth, climbing from 136.312 million in July to 137.920 million by August 2024. Similarly, the Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration improved from 56.15% in July to 56.72% in August, while cellular teledensity remained steady at 79%.

Among individual telecom operators, Jazz saw a decline in its 3G users, dropping from 2.897 million in July to 2.718 million in August. However, its 4G user base grew from 47.993 million to 48.843 million during the same period. Zong’s 3G subscribers also decreased slightly, from 1.955 million to 1.932 million, while its 4G users increased from 37.153 million to 37.627 million. Telenor’s 3G subscriber base dipped from 1.551 million to 1.519 million, with a rise in 4G users from 24.929 million to 25.189 million. Ufone’s 3G users dropped marginally from 2.197 million in July to 2.167 million in August, while its 4G subscribers rose from 15.975 million to 16.243 million.

In terms of consumer complaints, PTA received 19,223 grievances from telecom consumers in August, out of which 99% (19,061) were resolved. The majority of these complaints were directed towards cellular mobile operators (CMOs), accounting for 18,546 cases. Of these, Jazz had the highest number of complaints at 7,460, with a 99.9% resolution rate. Telenor followed with 3,853 complaints, resolving 99% of them, while Zong received 4,851 complaints, addressing 99.5%. Ufone had 2,352 complaints, with a 97.2% resolution rate.

In addition to cellular services, PTA received 163 complaints related to basic telephony, resolving 98.2% of them, and 502 complaints against internet service providers (ISPs), of which 96% were addressed during August 2024.