PTA Releases Q1 2026 Mobile Network QoS Survey Results Across Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released the findings of its Quality of Service (QoS) survey for Q1 2026 (January–March). The survey evaluates mobile network performance across Pakistan based on multiple key indicators, including web browsing speed, latency, and data throughput. The assessment was carried out across 18 cities using both auto-mode testing and third-party application measurements.

PTA Releases Q1 2026 Mobile Network QoS Survey Results Across Pakistan

Purpose and Scope of the Survey

The main objective of the survey was to assess whether Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are meeting the required standards defined under the Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) licenses and the Cellular Mobile Network QoS Regulations 2021.

To ensure accurate results, PTA conducted testing across diverse environments, including:

• Major roads and highways
• Service roads
• Residential neighborhoods
• Commercial and business areas

This approach helped capture real-life user experiences under different network conditions.

Methodology Used for Testing

PTA field teams used smartphones operating in auto-detect mode along with advanced automated QoS monitoring and benchmarking tools. These tools helped measure network performance without manual interference, ensuring more reliable and consistent results.

The survey focused on three core service areas:

• Voice call quality and connectivity
• SMS delivery success and speed
• Mobile broadband performance, including data sessions

Each operator’s performance was measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compared with the thresholds defined in regulatory standards.

Webpage Loading Performance

In the webpage loading time category, performance was strong and evenly distributed among leading operators.

• Jazz, Zong, and Ufone all achieved 1st position, showing full compliance across all 18 cities.
• This indicates that these three operators provide the most consistent browsing experience for users.

Telenor was not part of the top tier in this category, reflecting comparatively weaker performance.

Latency Performance (3rd Party Applications)

Latency results show mixed outcomes depending on the testing method.

• In third-party app latency testing, Zong and Ufone performed best by achieving full compliance in all 18 cities.
• This indicates stable and responsive network performance for real-time applications.

However, in auto-mode latency testing:

• Jazz ranked 1st, showing the lowest delay and best responsiveness.
• Zong ranked 4th, indicating weaker performance compared to other operators in this specific test.

See Also: PTA Suspends Telecom Tower License Over 10-Year Failure to Launch Operations

Download Throughput (3rd Party Applications)

The download performance measured through third-party applications shows clear differences between operators:

• Jazz ranked 1st, making it the strongest performer in download speed.
• Zong followed in 2nd place, maintaining a competitive position.
• Ufone ranked 3rd, showing moderate performance.
• Telenor ranked 4th, remaining the weakest in this category.

This reflects Jazz’s dominance in delivering higher download speeds across tested cities.

Overall Observations

The combined results of PTA’s Q1 2026 survey highlight a competitive but uneven telecom landscape:

• Jazz consistently performs strongly, especially in download throughput and auto-mode latency.
• Zong shows excellent performance in web browsing consistency and third-party latency compliance, though it varies in other areas.
• Ufone performs well in specific categories like latency and webpage loading but remains mid-tier overall.
• Telenor continues to lag in most performance indicators.

Conclusion

The PTA QoS Survey Q1 2026 provides a detailed view of mobile network quality across Pakistan. The findings show that while certain operators excel in specific areas, no single operator leads across all categories.

Overall, Jazz and Zong dominate most performance metrics, while Ufone shows selective strengths and Telenor struggles to match competitors. The report highlights the need for continued infrastructure improvements to ensure better and more consistent mobile service quality for users nationwide.