Islamabad: Zubair Kasuri
A major development is unfolding for Pakistan’s more than 200 million mobile phone users as preparations for the post-merger integration of Ufone and Telenor Pakistan enter the final stage, with the new combined entity expected to operate under the brand name “e&”.
Reliable sources in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority told The News that following the completion of PTCL/Ufone’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan, a formal proposal has been submitted to the regulator seeking approval for the launch of a unified telecom brand in Pakistan.
According to sources, the proposal was submitted after approval from the Ufone Board of Directors and suggests that both telecom operators would gradually transition into a single operational identity under the “e&” brand.
Officials familiar with the matter said the consultative process within the PTA has largely been completed and formal approval for the branding transition is expected within the coming days. Sources further indicated that operational rollout under the new brand could begin in phases after Eid.
Industry insiders say the merged telecom company is expected to emerge as one of Pakistan’s largest mobile operators with a combined subscriber base approaching or exceeding 70 million users, significantly reshaping the country’s competitive telecom landscape.
Sources said the integration process will not only include subscriber migration and network consolidation, but also the merger of tower infrastructure, security contracts, franchise operations, commercial systems and technical platforms of both companies.
According to available industry estimates, Telenor Pakistan currently employs more than 950 people, while Ufone has over 1,800 employees working across different departments and operational tiers.
Telecom sector sources said the merger could also trigger workforce restructuring in certain departments as part of cost optimization and operational streamlining. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding voluntary separation schemes and compensation packages, although no final decision has officially been announced by the management.
Market estimates suggest that Telenor Pakistan currently has around 43 million subscribers, while Ufone’s subscriber base stands close to 29 million users. Once fully integrated, the new telecom entity could command nearly 70 million mobile subscribers in Pakistan.
Sources added that network infrastructure integration has also entered the planning phase. Industry reports indicate that PTCL/Ufone controls around 14,500 tower sites, while Telenor/Orion Towers operates approximately 7,500 sites, potentially creating a combined portfolio of nearly 22,000 telecom towers nationwide.
Telecom experts believe the merger could have long-term implications for Pakistan’s future 4G and 5G ecosystem. Analysts say a stronger combined infrastructure and spectrum position may improve service quality, network coverage and mobile internet speeds in several regions of the country.
Estimated Subscriber Base of Pakistan’s Major Telecom Operators
Jazz: over 74 million subscribers
Zong: around 54 million subscribers
Telenor Pakistan: around 43 million subscribers
Ufone: around 29 million subscribers
Pakistan’s total mobile subscriber base has crossed 200 million connections, making it one of the region’s fastest-growing telecom markets. Analysts believe the Ufone-Telenor integration could become one of the biggest structural changes in Pakistan’s telecom sector in recent years, potentially altering market dynamics, pricing strategies and future digital infrastructure investments.
