PTA conducted a Quality of Service survey across four cities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, namely Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Rawalakot, and Palandri, during the fourth quarter of 2025, covering the period from October to December, to assess the performance of cellular mobile operators in the region. A total of 7,616 voice calls and SMS tests were carried out alongside 9,432 broadband performance samples, with the survey evaluating key parameters including mobile network coverage, data throughput, latency, webpage loading times, voice quality, and SMS delivery performance across Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, Zong, and SCOM.
In terms of mobile network coverage, SCOM ranked highest, followed by Ufone and Zong, which also showed strong compliance in 4G/LTE signal strength, while Jazz and Telenor faced challenges in maintaining consistent 4G signals, particularly in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot. On mobile broadband performance, Zong recorded the highest download speeds, followed by SCOM and Telenor, while Ufone and Jazz showed lower download speeds across multiple cities. In upload speeds, Zong again led, followed by Ufone and Jazz, with SCOM and Telenor showing varying performance depending on location.
Latency results showed Ufone achieving the best performance with consistently low figures across surveyed cities, while Zong and Jazz experienced higher latency in areas such as Muzaffarabad and Kotli, negatively impacting the browsing and online experience of users in those areas. In SMS performance, Ufone and Telenor led in delivery success rates, with times generally within acceptable limits, while SCOM showed delays in some areas including Rawalakot. For webpage loading times, SCOM ranked highest, followed by Ufone and Zong, while Jazz and Telenor struggled to meet benchmarks, especially in Kotli and Rawalakot.
The results underscore the unique network dynamics of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where SCOM, the state-run Special Communication Organisation, benefits from dedicated regional infrastructure built specifically for the territory’s challenging terrain, giving it a structural advantage over private operators in coverage-related metrics. PTA field teams utilised advanced QoS monitoring tools to evaluate voice calls, SMS, and mobile broadband data sessions in technology auto-detect mode, with the assessment conducted to determine compliance with Next Generation Mobile Service licenses and QoS Regulations 2021. The findings serve as a regulatory benchmark and a signal to operators that targeted infrastructure investment in the region remains necessary to close the performance gaps identified across multiple key indicators.
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