Chinese tech company CMPak recently announced that it is planning to scale its current investment in Pakistan's 4G infrastructure. The company's Chief Executive Officer recently confirmed that CMPak is planning to build 5,000 more base stations within the next three years in the country. This is part of the company's effort to help boost Pakistan's fledgling 4G infrastructure.
CMPak, also known as Zong, entered the Pakistani data and communications market many years ago. The company now boasts more than 31 million active customers under its belt. Now that the company has expressed its plan to expand, many market experts are confident that this will further boost the company's market share.
In a statement, CMPak chief executive officer Wang Hua said that the company currently holds about 21 percent of Pakistan's telecoms market. He added that CMPak currently sits in the third place in terms of market share. Mr. Wang said that CMPak acquired Paktel in 2007, and back then the company only holds around two percent of the market.
CMPak is riding the recent boost of 4G users in Pakistan. According to Mr. Wang, CMPak currently has more than 8 million 4G users. This represents a massive 75 percent of the market, essentially edging out every competitor in the said area.
In 2014, the Pakistani government auctioned its 4G spectrum. It came as no surprise that CMPak was one of the forerunners in the launch and expansion of the 4G technology in Pakistan.
CMPak is also diversifying its business in Pakistan. The company has struck deal with Uber and Careem, boosting the company's presence in the ride-hailing transportation business.
Mr. Wang is confident that CMPak will continue to grow. Part of this growth potential is the improvement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This is a key project under China's Belt and Road Initiative.
CMPak currently has 3,100 employees in Pakistan. Of this massive workforce, only 24 of them are Chinese. This stands as a testament to the company's commitment to the local market. CMPak has yet to reveal how much exactly the company plans to invest in Pakistan. Although many market experts, it will be a massive investment given the full extent of this undertaking.
Aside from CMPak, another Chinese telecommunications company in the form of China Mobile have been widely considered as a pioneer of the local industry. Reports reveal that China Mobile has invested $2.7 billion in Pakistan since the company's establishment in the country.