The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently published its monthly report for July 2024, offering a comprehensive look into the country’s telecom industry. This report highlights notable developments in mobile network subscriptions, the expansion of 4G services, and the ongoing issues consumers face regarding network performance and service quality.
Growth in Mobile Network Subscribers
The telecom sector in Pakistan has experienced a modest yet significant increase in mobile network subscriptions. As of July 2024, the number of cellular subscribers rose from 192.53 million in June to 192.924 million. This slight but steady growth underscores the escalating dependence on mobile communication services across the nation. This increase is reflective of a broader trend towards higher mobile connectivity and reliance on cellular networks for both personal and professional use.
Expansion of 3G and 4G Technologies
The uptake of next-generation mobile technologies has also shown positive momentum. The number of 3G and 4G users climbed from 134.78 million to 136.312 million between June and July 2024. This uptick in users of advanced mobile networks highlights a growing preference for faster and more reliable internet connectivity, crucial for both everyday use and the burgeoning digital economy.
Rising NGMS Penetration
The report also notes an increase in Next-Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) penetration, which encompasses both 3G and 4G technologies. In July 2024, NGMS penetration reached 56.15 percent, up from 55.61 percent in the previous month. This increase signifies that a larger portion of the population is accessing high-speed internet services, benefiting from the enhanced capabilities that come with modern mobile technologies.
Cellular Teledensity
Cellular teledensity, which measures the number of mobile connections per 100 people, remained steady at 79 percent in July 2024. This stability suggests that the overall mobile service penetration across the country has reached a plateau, reflecting a mature market where growth is becoming more incremental rather than explosive.
Consumer Complaints and Resolutions
Despite the growth in subscriber numbers and technological adoption, consumer satisfaction remains a critical area of concern. In July 2024, the PTA recorded a total of 19,188 complaints from telecom users. Impressively, 18,994 of these complaints—equating to 99 percent—were resolved. This high resolution rate indicates the PTA’s commitment to addressing consumer grievances effectively and improving service quality.
Detailed Breakdown of Complaints
The majority of consumer complaints were directed at cellular mobile operators (CMOs). Jazz received the highest number of complaints, totaling 6,783, followed by Zong with 6,362, Telenor with 3,198, and Ufone with 2,211. These figures highlight specific areas where customers have experienced issues, ranging from network performance to customer service challenges.
PTA’s Role and Future Outlook
The PTA has been proactive in managing and resolving complaints, demonstrating its role in ensuring that telecom operators adhere to service standards and address user concerns promptly. The high rate of complaint resolution reflects the authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the consumer experience in the telecom sector.
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s telecom industry continues to evolve with increasing adoption of 3G and 4G services. However, addressing consumer complaints and ensuring consistent network performance remain areas where improvements are needed. The PTA’s ongoing initiatives to enhance service quality and foster competition within the sector will be crucial in driving further growth and ensuring a positive experience for all telecom users.
In summary, the PTA’s July 2024 report illustrates both the progress and challenges within Pakistan’s telecom sector. The rise in mobile subscriptions and next-generation technology adoption signifies positive growth, while the resolution of consumer complaints reflects a commitment to improving service standards. As the industry continues to develop, the PTA’s efforts to balance technological advancements with consumer satisfaction will play a key role in shaping the future of telecom services in Pakistan.
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