Telenor Pakistan’s Market Share Slips Ahead of PTCL Merger as Jazz, Zong Strengthen

Telenor Pakistan’s market share has continued its downward trajectory, slipping from 22.83 percent in September 2024 to 21.75 percent by August 2025, as the company prepares for its much-anticipated merger with PTCL Group.

According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Telenor’s share fell by over one percentage point within eleven months, reflecting a steady erosion in its customer base even as rivals Jazz and Zong consolidate their positions in the highly competitive telecom market.

Jazz maintained its dominance with a 37.1 percent share as of August 2025, followed by Zong at 26.45 percent, Telenor at 21.75 percent, and Ufone trailing at 13.71 percent. The Special Communications Organization (SCO) held a marginal share of around one percent.

The country’s total cellular subscriber base also continued to shrink for the third consecutive month, dropping from 197.804 million in June 2025 to 196.194 million by the end of September.

However, broadband connectivity saw modest growth, with total 3G and 4G users increasing from 147.713 million in August to 148.059 million in September, marking a net addition of around 0.35 million subscribers. The Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) penetration rate also inched up from 59.56 percent to 59.6 percent, suggesting ongoing digital adoption despite the overall slowdown in mobile subscriptions.

Operator-wise data showed mixed trends. Jazz, the market leader, recorded a slight dip in 4G users,  from 55.094 million in August to 55.077 million in September, while Zong strengthened its position, adding nearly 90,000 new 4G customers to reach 41.152 million.

Telenor’s 4G base grew marginally from 26.964 million to 27.064 million, offsetting a continued decline in its 3G users, which fell from 1.045 million to 1.011 million. Ufone also mirrored this pattern, with 3G subscribers declining from 1.618 million to 1.448 million, while its 4G base rose to 18.742 million.

Industry analysts say Telenor’s gradual market share erosion underscores the urgency of its merger with PTCL Group, a move expected to reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape by creating a stronger, more competitive entity capable of investing in network modernization and 5G readiness.