Telecom Companies in Pakistan

Telecom Companies in Pakistan: Pioneering Connectivity

In the early days of telecommunication in Pakistan, the landscape was dominated solely by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). With no competition, progress in the telecom sector was limited. However, the scenario underwent a revolutionary change in the 90s with the introduction of mobile services. This pivotal moment marked the emergence of various telecom companies in Pakistan, each contributing to the nation’s connectivity. Below is a comprehensive list of the telecom companies that have operated or continue to operate in the country.

1. PTCL – A Telecommunication Pioneer
Founded in 1947, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) stands at the forefront of the telecom industry. As the first telecom company in Pakistan, PTCL boasts the largest fixed-line network in the country. Offering a myriad of services, including GSM, HSPA+, CDMA, LTE, broadband internet, DSL, and wireless products, PTCL has played a pivotal role in connecting the nation.

2. PakTel – From Paktel to Zong
Paktel, Pakistan’s first mobile company licensed in 1990, was later acquired by China Mobile in 2007 and rebranded as Zong in 2008. Paktel’s initial focus on 2G technology limited its services to voice calling, but its evolution into Zong brought forth advancements in technology and a broader service spectrum.

3. Instaphone – Trailblazer in Mobile Telecom
Launched in 1990 as the first mobile service in Pakistan, Instaphone was owned by Pakcom Limited and Paktel. It became a trailblazer in mobile telecom, initiating a new era of communication in the country. Over the years, ownership changes occurred, with the Arfeen Group eventually acquiring Instaphone.

4. Mobilink – Merging for Superiority
Established in 1990 by Saif Group and Motorola Inc., Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited, operating under the brand Mobilink, became a telecom powerhouse. Mobilink’s ownership transitioned to Orascom Telecom Holding and, later, to Vimpelcom (now Veon Limited). The acquisition of Warid in 2015 and subsequent rebranding as “Jazz” solidified its position as a market leader.

5. Ufone – Uniting Communication Services
Launched under PTCL, Pak Telecom Mobile Limited introduced Ufone in 2001, providing mobile phone services. Owned by the Government of Pakistan and Etisalat, Ufone has evolved to offer both 3G and 4G services, contributing to the nation’s communication infrastructure.

6. Telenor – Norwegian Excellence in Pakistan
Telenor, a Norwegian mobile company, entered Pakistan in 2005, initially known as Telenor Pakistan. Rebranded as Telenor 4G, it offers a range of services, contributing to the technological advancement of the country.

7. Warid – A Strategic Merger with Mobilink
Warid, part of the Abu Dhabi Group, entered Pakistan in 2000, focusing on innovative packages like Zahi, Zem, and Glow. In 2015, Warid merged with Mobilink, collectively launching the Jazz brand and consolidating their market presence.

8. Zong – Empowering Connectivity
Originally operating as PakTel, Zong underwent significant transformation after being acquired by China Mobile. With investments and upgrades, Zong emerged as a major player offering 3G, 4G, and even testing 5G services. The introduction of mobile banking under PayMax further diversified its portfolio.

9. NayaTel – Revolutionizing Fibre Optic Services
NayaTel, introduced in 2004, revolutionized the landscape with its Fibre to the Home (FTTH) services from 2006. Initially available in Rawalpindi Islamabad, NayaTel expanded its footprint to Faisalabad and Peshawar, providing high-speed internet services.

In conclusion, the presence of diverse telecom companies in Pakistan has not only connected the nation but also fostered innovation and technological progress. Each company has played a unique role in shaping the telecom landscape, making connectivity accessible and efficient for millions of Pakistanis.

Today telecommunication has become Pakistan’s fast growing industry, but that was not always the case. At one time there was only PTCL in the country. Therefore there was no competition and progress in the field of telecommunications because of literally no Telecom Companies in Pakistan.

But then mobile services were introduce in Pakistan in the 90s which change the scenario and now following is the List of Telecom Companies in Pakistan who have operate or still operating in Pakistan:

• PTCL
• PakTel
• Instaphone
• Mobilink    
• Ufone
• Telenor
• Warid
• Zong
• NayaTel

PTCL

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) founded on 1947 and is on Top of the List of Telecom Companies in Pakistan. First telecom company of Pakistan with largest fixed-line network. PTCL offer more services than any other Telecom Company in Pakistan. Services it offers includes Data services such as GSM, HSPA+, CDMA, LTE, broadband internet, DSL and Wireless products such as EVO Nitro and EVO charji. It also offer Digital TV services to its DSL customers and a SmartTv app for smart phones users. PTCL connects Pakistan to 4 Submarine cable networks. GoP is the first and major stock holder with Etisalat, who owns its control since 2006.

PakTel

Paktel is Pakistan’s first mobile company given license to start its services in 1990. It was own by Cable & Wireless. Its total customers were more than two million. In 2000, MilliCom bought it from Cable & Wireless. MilliCom also owns Instaphone. In 2007, China Mobile bought PakTel from MilliCom and then in 2008 re-brand it as Zong. PakTel had only 2G technology so they only offered voice calling service to their customers.

Instaphone

Pakcom Limited and Paktel are the first two companies to get license to launch mobile telecom services in Pakistan. Mobilink’s parent company Pakistan Mobile Telecommunications Limited was also involve in the bidding process but was not able to obtain a license at that time. Pakcom launched its service on 16 October 1990, called Instaphone and became the first mobile service in Pakistan. Its first owner is Millicom International who sell it to Arfeen Group.

Mobilink

In 1990, Saif Group and Motorola Inc. founded Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited. Mobilink is the business name of Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL). Its first owner is Saif Group, while its second owner is Orascom Telecom Holding, an Egyptian company. Its current owner is Vimpelcom, an European company. The company is now call Veon Limited. In 2015, Mobilink bought Warid, the transaction completed in 2017. After the merger of Warid and Mobilink, the company re-branded it as “Jazz”.

Ufone

Under the umbrella of PTCL, Pak Telecom Mobile limited launch its Mobile Phone services as Ufone on 29 Jan, 2001 in Islamabad. Like PTCL It is also own by Government of Pakistan and Etisalat. Ufone now offers both 3G and 4G Services.

Telenor

Telenor is a Norwegian mobile company of Telenor Group that came to Pakistan on 15 Mar, 2005. Previously, it called Telenor Pakistan, but now the company has re-branded it as Telenor 4G. Its main head office is in Islamabad, by the name of ‘345 Building’. Telenor has both 3G and 4G services to offer to its customers.

Warid

Warid is a mobile telecommunication company of Abu Dhabi Group, which came to Pakistan in 2000. During his service, Warid launched various packages such as Zahi, Zem and Glow. Warid was the only company that did not bid for 3G and 4G licenses, instead upgrade its old system to 4G. In 2015, Warid merged with Mobilink and the two companies jointly launched the Jazz brand.

Zong

Zong launched its services in Pakistan in 2000. China Mobile is the owner Company of it. Zong was previously operating in Pakistan under the name of PakTel. Millicom Corporation bought PakTel from Cables & Wireless and later sold it to China Mobile. China Mobile re-launched as Zong after making heavy investments in PakTel and upgrading it. It has both 3G and 4G services, besides it has successfully tested 5G. Zong also has a mobile banking service called PayMax.

NayaTel

NayaTel launch its services in Pakistan in 2004 and they offered its Fibre to the Home (FTTH) service in 2006. Earlier, its service was only available in Rawalpindi Islamabad, but now it has reached Faisalabad and Peshawar also.