In November 2024, Pakistan experienced a slight decline in the total number of cellular subscribers, 3G/4G users, and mobile penetration, according to data from PTA. The total number of cellular subscribers dropped marginally from 193.309 million at the end of October 2024 to 193.238 million by the end of November.
Similarly, the number of 3G and 4G users in the country decreased from 139.123 million to 139.037 million during the same period. This decrease in mobile subscriptions was also accompanied by a slight reduction in Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration, which fell from 57.02% in October to 56.9% by November’s end. Total teledensity, which measures the number of mobile connections per 100 individuals, also saw a small dip, dropping from 80.3% in October to 80.1% in November.
The decrease in subscriptions reflects shifting trends within Pakistan’s telecom landscape. A detailed breakdown of the subscriber loss for each telecom operator reveals a clearer picture of these trends. For instance, Jazz, one of the largest telecom providers in Pakistan, experienced a significant drop in its 3G subscriber base. Jazz’s 3G users declined from 2.08 million in October to 1.54 million by November. However, its 4G user base saw a slight increase, rising from 49.861 million to 50.19 million during the same period.
Zong, another major player in Pakistan’s telecom market, also experienced a smaller reduction in 3G subscribers. Zong’s 3G subscriber count dropped from 1.89 million to 1.86 million, while the number of 4G users increased slightly from 38.12 million to 38.30 million. Telenor followed a similar trend, with its 3G subscriber base declining from 1.434 million to 1.388 million and its 4G user base falling from 25.478 million to 25.428 million by the end of November. Ufone, which had fewer 4G subscribers than its competitors, also saw some changes. Its 3G subscriber count decreased from 2.10 million to 2.047 million, while its 4G users increased slightly from 16.43 million to 16.47 million.
This decrease in mobile subscriptions, particularly in the 3G segment, can be attributed to several factors, including the growing demand for faster data services, which is driving more users toward 4G technology. As more consumers shift towards 4G for its faster internet speeds and greater reliability, the demand for 3G services is expected to continue to diminish. The dip in total subscriptions and 3G/4G users may also reflect economic factors, as well as the saturation of mobile services in the country, which could be leading to a plateau in subscriber growth.
Despite the decline in overall subscriptions, the increase in 4G users across all major telecom operators is a positive sign for the future of mobile broadband in Pakistan. This shift to 4G technology indicates that consumers are increasingly adopting higher-speed internet services, which is crucial as Pakistan continues to expand its digital infrastructure. The country is also looking ahead to the introduction of 5G technology in the near future, which will likely further drive changes in the telecom market.
In conclusion, the slight reduction in total telecom subscribers and the decline in 3G usage in November 2024 marks an important shift in Pakistan’s telecom sector. The growing preference for 4G services reflects global trends in mobile connectivity, and the increased demand for high-speed internet is likely to shape the future of the industry. As telecom providers in Pakistan continue to enhance their services and infrastructure, it remains to be seen how these trends will evolve in the coming years.
