According to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan experienced a decline in the number of cellular subscribers, broadband penetration, and teledensity for the second consecutive month in May 2023.
The total number of cellular subscribers decreased from 192.60 million at the end of April to 192.27 million by the end of May. Specifically, the number of 3G and 4G users saw a decrease of 0.18 million, going from 124.29 million at the end of April to 124.11 million by the end of May.
The Monthly Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration also experienced a decline, dropping from 52.47 percent at the end of April to 52.3 percent by the end of May.
Furthermore, cellular teledensity decreased from 81.3 percent at the end of April to 81.03 percent by the end of May. The total teledensity, which includes all telecommunication services, decreased from 82.39 percent at the end of April to 82.12 percent by the end of May.
Among the cellular service providers, Jazz witnessed a decline in its 3G user count, which went from 4.510 million at the end of April to 4.445 million, marking a decrease of 0.065 million. Similarly, Jazz’s 4G user count decreased from 42.588 million at the end of April to 42.377 million by the end of May.
For Zong, the number of 3G subscribers decreased from 2.613 million at the end of April to 2.577 million by the end of May. However, the number of 4G users slightly increased from 32.235 million at the end of April to 32.298 million by the end of May.
Telenor also experienced a decline in its 3G user count, which decreased from 2.905 million at the end of April to 2.841 million by the end of May. Similarly, the number of Telenor’s 4G users decreased from 23.014 million at the end of April to 22.934 million by the end of May.
Ufone’s 3G users stood at 2.705 million by the end of May, compared to 2.745 million at the end of April. However, the number of Ufone’s 4G users increased from 12.245 million at the end of April to 12.498 million, showing a 0.253 million increase during the period under review.
The decline in cellular subscribers, broadband penetration, and teledensity highlights a challenging trend in the Pakistani telecom industry. It is crucial for service providers and relevant authorities to analyze the factors contributing to this decline and strategize accordingly to ensure sustainable growth and improved connectivity in the country.
