Why Cellular Subscribers Decline in Pakistan in November 2024?

In November 2024, Pakistan experienced a decline in cellular subscribers, 3G/4G users, and mobile penetration, as revealed by data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The total number of cellular subscribers dropped from 193.309 million at the end of October to 193.238 million by the end of November. Similarly, the number of 3G and 4G users decreased slightly, moving from 139.123 million in October to 139.037 million in November.

Why Cellular Subscribers Decline in Pakistan in November 2024?

The Monthly Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration rate also showed a minor decline, falling from 57.02 per cent at the end of October to 56.9 per cent in November. Furthermore, the overall teledensity, which measures the number of connections per 100 individuals, decreased from 80.3 per cent to 80.1 per cent during the same period.

Breakdown by Telecom Operators

The performance of individual telecom operators varied during November. Jazz’s 3G subscriber base saw a significant decline, dropping from 2.087 million in October to 1.549 million in November. However, its 4G user base increased from 49.861 million to 50.191 million.

Zong’s 3G users decreased from 1.893 million to 1.867 million, while its 4G subscribers grew from 38.125 million to 38.300 million. Telenor’s 3G users declined from 1.434 million to 1.388 million, and its 4G subscriber base also dropped from 25.478 million to 25.428 million. Ufone’s 3G users fell slightly from 2.100 million to 2.047 million, whereas its 4G users increased marginally from 16.433 million to 16.473 million.

Reasons Behind the Decline

Several factors contributed to the decline in subscribers and mobile penetration. First, economic challenges in Pakistan, including inflation and reduced purchasing power, have impacted consumers’ ability to afford mobile services. Additionally, the increasing cost of 4G-enabled devices has hindered new user acquisition, especially in rural areas.

Second, network quality issues and inconsistent service delivery in certain regions may have caused dissatisfaction among users, prompting them to disconnect their services. Additionally, the high competition among operators has led to overlapping subscriber bases, with users often switching between networks rather than adding new connections.

Lastly, the limited rollout of 5G services and the reliance on outdated 3G infrastructure in some areas have slowed technological advancement, affecting overall user growth.

Consumer Complaints and Resolutions

Despite the decline, the PTA received 15,861 consumer complaints against various telecom operators in November 2024. Of these, 99 percent (15,748) were resolved, showcasing the authority’s commitment to addressing user concerns. Most complaints were directed at Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs), with Jazz receiving the highest number (6,271), followed by Zong (4,087), Telenor (3,084), and Ufone (1,915).

See Also: Pakistan Achieves Over 91% Cellular Coverage, Says PTA Annual Report

A Critical Perspective

While the PTA and telecom operators have made commendable efforts to resolve complaints, the decline in subscribers highlights deeper issues in the sector. The inability to retain users reflects gaps in affordability, service quality, and technological progress. Operators must invest in infrastructure upgrades, such as expanding 4G and 5G networks, and improve service reliability to attract and retain customers.

Transforming Pakistan’s Digital Landscape

Addressing these challenges is crucial to revitalizing the telecom sector and driving digital transformation in Pakistan. Improved mobile penetration and enhanced internet services can catalyze economic growth by enabling e-commerce, digital payments, and remote education. A robust telecom ecosystem will empower businesses, bridge the digital divide, and position Pakistan as a leader in the global digital economy.