Telenor Pakistan Market Share Declines as PTCL Merger Faces Delays

Telenor Pakistan’s cellular market share continues to shrink at a time when its proposed merger with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has also hit regulatory roadblocks.

According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) data, Telenor’s market share dropped from 22.83 percent in September 2024 to 21.88 percent in June 2025, and further down to 21.83 percent in July 2025. The decline highlights a steady erosion in its customer base, even as competitors Zong and Jazz consolidate their positions.

Jazz remains the market leader with a 37.15 percent share as of July 2025, followed by Zong at 26.36 percent, Telenor at 21.83 percent, and Ufone at 13.67 percent, while SCO maintains around 1 percent share.

Industry analysts note that Telenor’s ongoing decline reflects intense competition, aggressive pricing by rivals, and the uncertainty surrounding its future in Pakistan’s telecom sector.

The company’s planned merger with PTCL, aimed at creating a stronger second player to compete with Jazz, has been delayed due to regulatory hurdles and pending approvals. “The uncertainty is impacting Telenor’s ability to defend its market base,” a senior industry executive told this correspondent.

With market dynamics shifting in favor of Zong, which has gradually increased its share to 26.36 percent, and Ufone showing slight growth, the pressure is mounting on Telenor to stabilize operations.

Analysts caution that if the PTCL–Telenor merger does not progress soon, Telenor may face further declines in both revenue and market position.