The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released its Quality of Service (QoS) survey report for the first quarter of 2026, covering the period from January to March. The report evaluates the performance of mobile network operators across Pakistan and provides an overview of the quality of services being offered to consumers.
The survey examined important aspects of mobile network performance, including internet browsing speed, data download speed, network responsiveness (latency), voice call quality, and SMS services. The purpose of the survey was to determine whether telecom companies are meeting the service standards required by PTA regulations and their operating licenses.
The results show that while all major telecom operators continue to provide services across the country, some companies performed significantly better than others in certain categories. Overall, Jazz and Zong emerged as the strongest performers in most areas, while Ufone showed good results in specific categories. Telenor, on the other hand, lagged behind its competitors in several performance indicators.
Purpose of the PTA Survey
The main goal of the Quality of Service survey is to ensure that mobile network operators are providing reliable and high-quality services to their customers.
PTA regularly conducts such surveys to monitor network performance and ensure compliance with the standards outlined in:
- Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) Licenses
- Cellular Mobile Network Quality of Service Regulations 2021
These regulations require telecom operators to maintain specific performance standards so that users receive acceptable levels of service for voice calls, text messaging, and internet usage.
The survey also helps PTA identify areas where telecom companies need to improve their infrastructure and service quality.
Areas Covered During Testing
To obtain realistic and accurate results, PTA conducted testing in 18 different cities across Pakistan.
The testing covered a variety of locations where people commonly use mobile services, including:
Major Roads and Highways
PTA teams tested network performance while traveling on major roads and highways to evaluate connectivity during movement.
Service Roads
Testing was also carried out on smaller roads to assess network coverage in less congested areas.
Residential Areas
Since a large number of users access mobile services from their homes, PTA measured network quality in residential neighborhoods.
Commercial and Business Areas
Business districts and commercial centers were included to assess performance in high-traffic locations where large numbers of users are connected simultaneously.
By testing in different environments, PTA was able to capture real-world user experiences instead of relying only on laboratory conditions.
How PTA Conducted the Tests
PTA used smartphones configured in automatic network detection mode.
Specialized automated monitoring and benchmarking tools were also used to collect data without human interference.
This method ensures that:
- Results are consistent
- Testing remains unbiased
- Data reflects actual network conditions
The survey focused on three major service categories:
Voice Services
PTA measured:
- Call connection success rates
- Voice quality
- Call drops
- Network availability during calls
SMS Services
The authority checked:
- SMS delivery success rates
- Message delivery times
- Reliability of messaging services
Mobile Broadband Services
Internet performance was measured using:
- Download speeds
- Web browsing performance
- Network latency
- Data session reliability
The collected information was then compared against PTA’s official performance standards.
Web Browsing Performance
One of the most important aspects of internet quality is webpage loading time.
Users expect websites to open quickly without long delays.
The survey found that three operators performed exceptionally well in this category.
Top Performers
The following companies achieved first position:
- Jazz
- Zong
- Ufone
All three operators achieved full compliance in all 18 surveyed cities.
This means users on these networks generally experienced fast and consistent webpage loading across different locations.
Telenor’s Performance
Telenor Pakistan was not among the top performers in this category.
Its webpage loading performance was weaker compared to Jazz, Zong, and Ufone.
As a result, users may experience slightly slower browsing performance in certain areas.
Understanding Network Latency
Latency refers to the delay between a user sending a request and receiving a response from the network.
Low latency is extremely important for:
- Online gaming
- Video calls
- Live streaming
- Online meetings
- Real-time communication apps
The lower the latency, the faster and smoother the experience.
PTA measured latency using two different methods.
Third-Party Application Latency Results
In tests conducted through third-party applications:
Best Performers
Zong and Ufone delivered the strongest results.
Both operators achieved full compliance in all 18 cities.
This indicates:
- Stable network performance
- Quick response times
- Better experience for real-time applications
Users who frequently use video conferencing, social media apps, and online games may benefit from these lower latency levels.
Auto-Mode Latency Results
The rankings changed slightly in the auto-mode testing category.
First Place
Jazz achieved the best performance.
The network recorded the lowest delays and fastest responsiveness.
Lower Ranking for Zong
Although Zong performed very well in third-party app testing, it ranked fourth in auto-mode latency measurements.
This shows that network performance can vary depending on testing methods and usage conditions.
Download Speed Performance
Download speed remains one of the most important indicators for internet users.
Fast download speeds improve experiences such as:
- Watching videos
- Downloading apps
- Streaming content
- Online learning
- File sharing
PTA measured download throughput through third-party applications.
Jazz Leads in Download Speeds
Jazz secured first place in download speed performance.
The operator delivered the strongest and most consistent download speeds among all telecom companies tested.
This result strengthens Jazz’s position as one of Pakistan’s leading mobile broadband providers.
Zong Takes Second Position
Zong ranked second.
Although slightly behind Jazz, it continued to demonstrate strong internet performance across multiple cities.
Ufone Ranks Third
Ufone secured third place.
Its performance was respectable but remained behind Jazz and Zong.
Telenor Remains Last
Telenor ranked fourth in download speed testing.
This suggests that users on the network may experience slower downloads compared to competing operators.
Voice and SMS Performance
Although the report primarily highlighted internet-related performance indicators, PTA also evaluated traditional telecom services.
Voice and SMS services remain important, especially in areas where internet-based communication is less common.
The survey assessed:
- Call completion rates
- Voice clarity
- SMS delivery success
- Message transmission speed
These indicators help ensure that operators maintain acceptable standards across all communication services.
Overall Results of the Survey
The PTA report presents a competitive picture of Pakistan’s telecom industry.
Each operator demonstrated strengths in certain areas.
Jazz
Jazz emerged as one of the strongest overall performers.
Its key strengths included:
- Fastest download speeds
- Best auto-mode latency
- Strong webpage loading performance
These results indicate a well-balanced network capable of delivering high-quality internet services.
Zong
Zong also performed exceptionally well.
Its strengths included:
- Excellent webpage loading times
- Outstanding third-party app latency performance
- Strong overall broadband quality
Although some results varied across categories, Zong remained among the top performers.
Ufone
Ufone delivered good results in several important areas.
Its strengths included:
- Excellent latency performance
- Strong webpage loading consistency
However, it remained behind Jazz and Zong in download speed rankings.
Telenor
Telenor faced challenges across multiple categories.
The operator consistently ranked lower than its competitors in:
- Download speeds
- Web browsing performance
- Overall network responsiveness
The survey suggests that Telenor may need additional infrastructure improvements to compete more effectively with other operators.
Why These Results Matter
The PTA survey is important because it provides independent information about network quality.
Consumers often rely on advertisements and marketing campaigns when choosing a telecom operator.
However, PTA’s testing offers objective data based on actual performance measurements.
The results help consumers make informed decisions regarding:
- Mobile internet usage
- Business connectivity
- Online learning
- Entertainment streaming
- Gaming performance
Need for Continued Network Improvements
Despite positive results from some operators, the survey also highlights the need for continued investment in network infrastructure.
As mobile internet usage continues to grow, telecom companies must:
- Expand coverage
- Improve network capacity
- Reduce congestion
- Upgrade equipment
- Prepare for future technologies
Increasing demand for video streaming, online gaming, remote work, and digital services requires stronger and more reliable networks.
Conclusion
PTA’s Quality of Service Survey for the first quarter of 2026 provides a detailed look at the state of mobile network services across Pakistan.
The findings show that Jazz and Zong continue to dominate many performance categories, offering strong internet speeds and reliable browsing experiences. Ufone performs well in specific areas, particularly latency and webpage loading, while Telenor trails behind its competitors in several key performance indicators.
The survey also demonstrates the importance of regular monitoring to ensure telecom operators maintain high standards of service. As Pakistan’s digital economy continues to grow, improvements in network quality will remain essential for supporting businesses, students, professionals, and everyday mobile users across the country
