PTA Survey Reveals the Best Mobile Networks
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released the findings of its Quality of Service (QoS) survey for the fourth quarter of 2025, offering a comprehensive evaluation of mobile network performance across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). The survey assessed all major cellular mobile operators (CMOs), including Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, Zong, and SCOM, across multiple service dimensions such as mobile broadband, voice calls, SMS, latency, and network coverage.
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With thousands of tests conducted, the report provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each operator, helping consumers better understand which network performs best in different areas of AJK.
Survey Scope and Methodology
The PTA conducted an extensive and data-driven analysis to ensure accuracy and fairness. A total of 7,616 voice and SMS tests were carried out, alongside 9,432 broadband performance samples. These tests were conducted across key cities, including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Kotli.
The survey measured several critical QoS parameters, including network coverage, data speeds, latency, webpage loading times, voice quality, and SMS delivery performance. This multi-dimensional approach allowed PTA to evaluate the overall user experience rather than focusing on a single metric.
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Mobile Network Coverage: SCOM Leads the Way
One of the most important aspects of mobile service is network coverage, particularly in a geographically challenging region like AJK. According to the survey, SCOM emerged as the top performer in terms of overall coverage.
Ufone and Zong also demonstrated strong performance, particularly in maintaining consistent 4G/LTE signals. On the other hand, Jazz and Telenor faced challenges in providing stable connectivity in certain areas, especially in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot. These gaps in coverage can significantly impact users who rely on uninterrupted connectivity for daily communication and internet access.
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Mobile Broadband Speed: Zong Dominates
When it comes to mobile internet speeds, Zong clearly stood out as the leader. The network recorded the highest download speeds across multiple cities, making it the preferred choice for users who prioritize fast internet for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
SCOM and Telenor followed behind Zong in download speeds, while Ufone and Jazz lagged in comparison. In terms of upload speeds, Zong maintained its lead, followed by Ufone and Jazz. However, SCOM and Telenor showed inconsistent performance depending on location, indicating room for improvement in network optimization.
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Latency and User Experience
Latency is a critical factor affecting real-time online activities such as gaming, video calls, and browsing. Lower latency results in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
In this category, Ufone emerged as the top performer, delivering consistently low latency across surveyed cities. This gave it an edge in providing a better overall user experience. In contrast, Zong and Jazz recorded higher latency in cities like Muzaffarabad and Kotli, which may affect activities requiring quick data transmission.
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Voice Call Quality Ufone and Telenor Excel
Despite the growing reliance on data services, voice calls remain a fundamental aspect of mobile communication. The survey evaluated voice quality using key performance indicators such as call setup success rate (CSSR), call completion rate (CCR), call connection time (CCT), and mean opinion score (MOS).
Ufone and Telenor delivered the best results, achieving high call completion rates and low connection times. Their consistent performance makes them reliable options for users who prioritize clear and uninterrupted voice communication.
Jazz and Zong, while still competitive, recorded slightly lower scores in this category, suggesting minor issues in call stability or quality.
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SMS Performance Ufone and Telenor Lead Again
SMS services, although less prominent than before, remain important for verification codes and essential communication. In this category, Ufone and Telenor once again led the rankings with high success rates and timely delivery.
SCOM showed strong performance in some areas but experienced delays in regions like Rawalakot. Jazz and Zong maintained acceptable performance levels but did not outperform the leading networks.
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Web Browsing Experience
Webpage loading speed is a key indicator of real-world user experience. Slow loading times can frustrate users, even if overall data speeds appear adequate.
SCOM ranked highest in this category, offering the fastest webpage loading times. Ufone and Zong followed closely behind, providing a satisfactory browsing experience.
Jazz and Telenor struggled to meet PTA benchmarks in certain cities, particularly Kotli and Rawalakot, indicating a need for further optimization in their data networks.
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Overall Performance Comparison
The PTA survey highlights that no single operator dominates across all categories. Instead, each network has its own strengths:
- SCOM excels in coverage and web browsing performance.
- Zong leads in mobile broadband speeds.
- Ufone performs best in latency and overall user experience.
- Telenor stands out in voice and SMS services.
- Jazz remains competitive but lags in several key areas.
This diversity in performance means that the “best” network for a user depends on their specific needs, whether it’s fast internet, reliable calls, or wide coverage.
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Challenges in AJK’s Telecom Landscape
Providing high-quality telecom services in AJK is particularly challenging due to its mountainous terrain and scattered population. Infrastructure development in such areas requires significant investment and technical expertise.
The survey results reflect these challenges, as some operators struggle to maintain consistent performance across all regions. Addressing these gaps will require continued investment in network infrastructure, including towers, fiber connectivity, and advanced technologies.
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Future Outlook: 5G and Network Improvements
With Pakistan preparing for 5G deployment, operators have an opportunity to enhance their services further. The lessons learned from the QoS survey can guide future improvements, helping telecom companies address existing weaknesses.
Improved infrastructure, better spectrum management, and advanced technologies could significantly enhance user experience in AJK, bringing it closer to urban telecom standards.
Consumers must choose their network based on their priorities, whether it is speed, coverage, or call quality. At the same time, telecom operators must continue to invest in infrastructure and innovation to meet the growing demands of users in the region.
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FAQs
1. Which network has the best coverage in AJK?
SCOM ranked highest in terms of mobile network coverage, followed by Ufone and Zong.
2. Which network offers the fastest internet speed?
Zong recorded the highest download and upload speeds in the survey.
3. Which network has the lowest latency?
Ufone delivered the best latency performance, ensuring a smoother user experience.
4. Which networks are best for voice calls?
Ufone and Telenor provided the best voice call quality with high completion rates.
5. Which network performs best in SMS delivery?
Ufone and Telenor led in SMS success rates and delivery times.
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Final Words
The PTA’s findings highlight both progress and gaps in AJK’s telecom sector. While users benefit from competition among operators, there is still room for improvement in service quality and consistency.
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly essential, especially in remote regions, ensuring reliable and high-quality telecom services must remain a top priority. With continued investment and innovation, Pakistan’s telecom sector has the potential to deliver a significantly improved user experience in the years ahead.
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