Sim Networks In Pakistan
The use of mobile networks has increased in Pakistan due to the country’s fast population growth and growing technological capabilities. Many SIM networks are available throughout the nation, each with its special features and services. We will compare the prices and quality of the main SIM networks in Pakistan in this article.
SCOM, Ufone, Zong, Jazz/Warid, and Telenor are the five primary mobile network providers in Pakistan at the moment. These operators offer a wide range of services, including voice and data, to satisfy the diverse needs of Pakistani consumers. Several smaller operators, in addition to these larger ones, offer specialized services to particular market niches. In general, there is fierce competition in Pakistan’s mobile telecommunications sector, with operators always looking to enhance their offerings and grow their clientele.
SIM Networks
Five mobile network providers offer their services to the people of Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulates these mobile operators, and they must offer their clients high-quality services.
The following are the six mobile network operators currently operating in Pakistan:
Jazz/Warid
Telenor
Zong
Ufone
SCOM
With more than 60 million users, Jazz, formerly known as Mobilink, is Pakistan’s biggest mobile network provider. With more than 40 million subscribers apiece, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone are the other market leaders. Only Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are served by the regional operator SCOM.
All networks are identified by fixed serial codes assigned by the PTA. These codes, which vary from 00 to 55, are specific to each network. For example, the codes 01, 04, 10, 03, and 92 are used to identify Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and SCOM, respectively.
About Pakistani Sim Networks
1. Jazz/Warid
Technology: FDD-LTE 4G/LTE-A, GPRS 2.5G, EDGE 2.75G, and 900 MHz GSM 2G are among the technologies that Jazz uses to function.
Services: They provide postpaid and prepaid services, VoLTE/VoWiFi, and mobile broadband. Additionally, Jazz offers JazzCash for mobile banking.
The Owner: VEON Ltd.
Total Subscribers: Jazz boasts an impressive 70.73 million subscribers as of August 2023.
2. Telenor
Technology: Telenor includes FDD-LTE 4G/LTE-A, EDGE 2.75G, HSPA+ 3.75G, GPRS 2.5G, and GSM 2G operating at 900/1800 MHz.
Services: Telenor provides postpaid and prepaid services, VoLTE, mobile broadband, and mobile banking via EasyPaisa.
Ownership: Telenor Group.
Total Number of Subscribers: Telenor had 46.17 million subscribers as of August 2023.
3. Zong
Technology: Zong uses 900/1800 MHz GSM 2G, GPRS 2.5G, EDGE 2.75G, DC-HSPA+ 3.75G, and FDD-LTE 4G/LTE-A as its operating frequencies.
Services: They offer mobile banking through PayMax, postpaid and prepaid services, and mobile broadband.
Ownership: China Mobile.
Total Users: Zong had 46.81 million users as of August 2023.
4. Ufone
Technology: 900/1800 MHz GSM 2G, GPRS 2.5G, EDGE 2.75G, HSPA+ 3.75G, and FDD-LTE 4G are the technologies that Ufone uses.
Services: Ufone provides mobile banking via U-Paisa, postpaid and prepaid services, and mobile broadband.
Ownership: PTCL & Etisalat.
Total Users: There were 25.03 million users of Ufone as of August 2023.
5. SCOM
Technology: SCOM uses 900/1800 MHz GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+, and LTE technologies, and it mainly roams on Ufone.
Services: They offer postpaid and prepaid services, mobile banking through S-Paisa, fixed broadband, and mobile broadband.
Ownership: Government of Pakistan.
Total Subscribers: SCOM had 1.69 million subscribers as of August 2023.
Comparison: Pricing and Quality
One would have to examine each network’s unique packages, deals, and user reviews in order to present a thorough comparison of costs and quality. Nonetheless, Jazz appears to be the most popular network in Pakistan based on the number of subscribers, closely followed by Zong and Telenor. The fact that Ufone and SCOM have fewer subscribers may be a reflection of their market share as well as the quality or cost of their services.
It’s important to remember that a person’s ideal network may change depending on their location, usage habits, and particular needs. One should think about looking at user reviews on different platforms or the official websites of these networks for a thorough comparison.
Growth of Sim Networks in Pakistan
Numerous factors, such as the introduction of new mobile services, the expansion of mobile network coverage, and the growing availability and affordability of mobile phones, are responsible for the growth in Pakistan’s mobile phone subscriber base.
The table below shows the growth of mobile phone subscribers in Pakistan over the past five years:
| Years | Total Mobile Phone Subscriber |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 161.0 million |
| 2019 | 165.0 million |
| 2020 | 175.0 million |
| 2021 | 184.0 million |
| 2022 | 189.0 million |
The table indicates that during the previous five years, Pakistan’s mobile phone subscriber base has been gradually growing. In the upcoming years, this growth is anticipated to continue, and by 2028, the Pakistani telecom market is projected to reach USD 5.15 billion.
Conclusion
Pakistan offers a diverse range of SIM networks, each catering to different segments of the population. Whether you prioritize network coverage, data speed, call quality, or value-added services, there’s likely a network in Pakistan that fits your needs. Always research and compare before making a final decision.
