📱 Mobile Connectivity Is Changing Lives — But Challenges Remain
In Pakistan’s remote Thar Desert, camels now wear mobile numbers instead of bells — a powerful metaphor for the deep impact of mobile connectivity across the country. As Telenor Pakistan marks its 20-year journey of connecting over 80% of the population, it’s clear that telecom operators have helped enable massive growth in agriculture, banking, and tech freelancing.
But despite this progress, only 59.3% of Pakistan’s population uses mobile internet, and with ARPU below $1 (compared to the global average of $8), the industry is financially strained.
🤝 Consolidation May Be the Key to Sustainable Telecoms
Telenor has already seen success in other Asian markets:
- 📶 In Malaysia, the CelcomDigi merger brought 99.2% 4G and 90% 5G coverage.
- 🌐 In Thailand, the True Corp–Dtac merger improved service quality and innovation access.
These mergers helped create financially stable telcos capable of investing in AI, cloud computing, IoT, and advanced customer experiences.
A similar merger between Telenor Pakistan and PTCL, currently under discussion, could create a stronger second-largest player with a 32% market share, boosting competitiveness, innovation, and nationwide access.
🔍 What’s at Stake for Pakistan?
📉 Both Telenor Pakistan and PTCL currently lack the scale to survive independently.
📈 Combined, they offer a path toward sustainable investment in cutting-edge infrastructure.
🏛️ With PTCL being government-owned, the merger aligns with national Digital Pakistan goals.
Benefits for consumers and the economy include:
- Wider 4G/5G network access
- Better customer service and digital platforms
- Smart home, enterprise cloud, and cybersecurity solutions
- Job creation and digital skill development
🌐 Telenor’s Vision: A Stronger, Smarter Digital Pakistan
Jon Omund Revhaug, EVP and Head of Telenor Asia, believes this merger could reignite Pakistan’s telecoms future, unlock billions in digital potential, and build a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.
A financially sound telecom industry is the bedrock of a digital nation — and Pakistan must act now to secure its digital future.
