Zong’s VoWifi: Game Changer or a Mask to Hide Poor Network Coverage?

Zong 4G’s Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) service has been marketed by the company as a game-changer in Pakistan’s telecom industry. The company positions this service as a solution to persistent network issues, especially in remote and indoor locations by enabling users to make HD voice calls over Wi-Fi networks. However, with Pakistan’s struggling broadband landscape and network quality concerns, questions remain about VoWiFi’s true impact.

According to PTA, Pakistan’s fixed broadband subscriber base has grown to 143 million subscribers including a handful using fiber-based home broadband. Despite this progress, internet speed rankings paint a grim picture. The country was ranked 198th globally in December 2024, with average broadband download speeds of 15.52 Mbps and mobile internet speeds of 19.59 Mbps, which is far below global standards.

For Zong, network issues continue to plague users. A July 2024 report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed 25% of the quality of service complaints, such as call drops and noise to Zong. Customer grievances on social media platforms have highlighted dropped calls and slow internet speeds, with one user describing their experience as a “nightmare.”

The VoWiFi service, while innovative, appears more like a stopgap solution than a transformative one. Its reliance on Wi-Fi networks raises concerns about accessibility in areas where broadband penetration and internet speeds are subpar. Therefore, in regions with weak broadband infrastructure, VoWiFi might fail to deliver the seamless communication Zong promises.

While Zong’s effort to introduce advanced services is respectable, it underscores a bigger issue, which involves the pressing need for robust network infrastructure and consistent service quality. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the VoWiFi service risks being perceived as a temporary fix rather than a lasting improvement in Pakistan’s connectivity landscape.

Our Opinion: 

The future of telecom in Pakistan will depend on long-term investments in network enhancements, not just technological band-aids. Users and industry experts expect government and telecom companies to work together to improve the quality of services. 

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