PTA outlines below-par performance of mobile firms

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has highlighted the poor performance of cellular mobile operators (CMOs) in areas of network coverage, broadband, voice and SMS services.

Based on compliance level of each key performance indicator (KPI) in surveyed cities, as defined in the quality of service (QoS) regulations, CMOs have been ranked in various categories.

PTA conducted an independent QoS survey in 17 cities across Pakistan during the fourth quarter of 2024. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the Cellular Mobile Network QoS Regulations 2021. The survey covered approximately 46,000 voice calls and SMS tests, along with 330,000 broadband performance samples.

According to the survey results regarding coverage, Ufone secured the top position, followed by Zong, Jazz and Telenor.

All CMOs are required to meet or exceed the QoS benchmark set under the regulations. To ensure accurate benchmarking, the PTA collected and analysed a statistically significant sample of at least 200 calls and data sessions to evaluate the critical performance parameters.

Survey routes were designed to cover the maximum population areas of selected cities. Tests were conducted to evaluate voice, mobile broadband (throughput, latency and web browsing) and SMS services.

During data tests in technology auto-detect mode, 4G/LTE signal strength samples were recorded on survey routes. Zong emerged as the most consistent performer, leading in the majority of cities with high compliance levels for 4G signal strength. Ufone followed closely with strong performance in several areas.

Jazz also demonstrated satisfactory compliance but occasionally ranked below Zong and Ufone. Telenor lagged behind other operators. Overall, Zong led the rankings, followed by Ufone, Jazz and Telenor.

To measure mobile broadband performance, data download and upload tests were conducted, using a 10GB file over three-minute duration. For downloading files, Jazz secured the top position, followed by Zong, Ufone and Telenor. For uploading files, Ufone ranked first, followed by Jazz, Zong and Telenor.

Throughputs for download and upload speeds were also evaluated using a third-party network testing application. Zong ranked first, followed by Jazz, Ufone and Telenor.

Web page loading time, an important metric for assessing user experience, provided valuable insights into the performance of CMOs. Jazz ranked first, Zong was at second spot, while Ufone and Telenor had lower rankings.

Five KPIs related to voice service – network accessibility, call setup success rate, call setup time, call completion rate and mean opinion score – were evaluated.

In terms of signal strength for 4G/LTE and fallback 3G networks in auto-detect mode, Ufone secured the top place, followed by Zong, Jazz and Telenor.

For data download throughput, Zong and Jazz shared the top position, followed by Ufone and Telenor. For data upload throughput in auto mode, Zong ranked first, followed by Jazz, Ufone and Telenor.

In web page loading time, Jazz led the ranking, followed by Zong, with Ufone and Telenor at the bottom. In voice calls, Zong and Jazz shared the top position, followed by Ufone and Telenor. For SMS services, Zong ranked first, followed by Ufone, Telenor and Jazz.