3G/4G Users in Pakistan Reached 38 Million. After the launch of 3G/4G services in 2014, we have witnessed a rise in 3G/4G subscribers in Pakistan. According to the recent report issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the number of 3G/4G users in Pakistan reached 38.2691 million at the end of January 2017 against 37.574 million by December 2016.
The stats simply narrates the success story of efforts of Pakistani mobile operator’s regarding digital Pakistan initiatives and providing best ecosystem in the country.
On the other hand mobile phone users have also witnessed an increase in the number. They have reached 137,095 million by the end of January 2017, up from 136,489 million at the end of December 2016. Almost 0.606 million new users are added during the period under review.
The recent stats issued by PTA also revealed the total subscribers of Jazz (previously known as Mobilink Warid) have also reached 51.534 million by January 2017. Mobilink had a subscriber base of 41.253 million by December 2016. Whereas Warid had 10.27 million users a month before.
Zong and Telenor users reached 27.496 million and 39.586 million by January 2017 as compared to 26.929 million and 39.453 million by December, respectively.
Whereas 3G users of Ufone again witnessed a decline. The users decreased from 5,305,094 in December 2016 to 5,095,611 by end of January 2017; which shows the deteriorating market position of Ufone.
The recent stats also revealed the 4G users of Jazz for the first time. The subscribers reached 700,486 by January 2017. While Warid LTE had a subscriber’s base of 637,363 by December 2016.
The number of 4G users for Zong increased from 2,274,157 users during December 2016 to 2,855,336 subscribers by end of January 2017. The increase in the number of Zong 4G users is a good sign for the telecom operator. We all know really well that the Pakistani market is struggling with 4G smartphones, as there not many 4G compatible phones. Zong overtook other operators by selling 4G SIMs via its Mobile Broadband (MBB) devices.
The major advantage for this Telecom operator is its ARPU is at least US $ 15, up from usual US$ 2 ARPU for common Pakistani mobile phone users. With Zong planning to establish over 10,500 4G cell cites by end of 2017, it can be believed that Zong is all set to capture the 4G market. Other operators such as Jazz and Telenor will also try to enhance their MBB 3G/4G segment.
But in order to achieve such accomplishments operators will have to add more towers in same area to hold them. They should also maintain quality and reliability for a wireless broadband network. So that they will be able to provide quality of service for increasing number of consumers.
Source: https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/3g4g-users-in-pakistan/