Mr. Hassan Nawaz, Technical Director, HCS Cloud Deployment and Migration Projects, Huawei Middle East
In Pakistan’s dynamic telecom landscape, Jazz, CMPak (operating as Zong), and Ufone are in a continuous race for market leadership. Their strategies encompass network expansion, service diversification, and digital innovation, with cloud adoption playing a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and delivering advanced services.
Jazz, the country’s largest telecom operator, boasts a subscriber base of over 71 million and a commanding market share of 37%. Its commitment to digital transformation is evident in substantial investments, such as the PKR 37 billion allocated in 2023 for expanding data infrastructure and supporting digital ecosystems. The launch of its cloud platform, Garaj, underscores Jazz’s strategic vision, providing state-of-the-art cloud services tailored to local businesses and enabling enterprises to adopt scalable solutions while maintaining data sovereignty.
CMPak, better known as Zong, has consistently been a pioneer in technological innovation, introducing 4G to Pakistan and aggressively expanding its network. Backed by China Mobile, Zong has the financial muscle and technological expertise to stay competitive. Its investments in network upgrades and spectrum acquisitions reflect a focus on enhancing service quality. Notably, Zong has established a strategic partnership with Huawei to drive digital transformation. This collaboration integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, enabling Zong to offer seamless connectivity and digitally enhanced solutions to its customers.
Ufone, a subsidiary of PTCL, is leveraging its parent company’s extensive infrastructure to enhance its service offerings. The recent announcement of a merger with Telenor Pakistan promises significant synergies, combining the strengths of both operators to create a more robust network and improved customer services. Ufone’s integration with PTCL’s cloud and data center capabilities offers a strategic advantage, enabling the development of new digital solutions and expansion into underserved areas. Additionally, Ufone has introduced ‘UCloud,’ a cloud storage service that allows users to store and access data remotely, reflecting its commitment to providing digital solutions to its customer base.
Cloud adoption is emerging as a decisive factor in this competition. The ability to deploy scalable, efficient, and innovative solutions through cloud platforms is essential for addressing customer needs, enhancing network operations, and supporting emerging technologies like IoT and 5G. Jazz’s early and aggressive investment in cloud infrastructure, coupled with its holistic approach to digital transformation, gives it a significant edge. Platforms like Garaj and partnerships with leading global tech providers position Jazz to sustain its market dominance and lead in areas like AI-driven services and data analytics.
For Zong to take up the challenge and emerge as a stronger contender, it must further solidify its cloud strategy by investing in local data centers and expanding partnerships with global cloud providers. Leveraging its existing collaboration with Huawei, Zong should prioritize developing scalable IoT solutions and AI-driven services, focusing on sectors like smart cities, industrial IoT, and consumer applications. A comprehensive cloud adoption plan will enable Zong to improve operational efficiency and enhance its service portfolio, providing a competitive edge.
Ufone must accelerate its digital transformation by fully utilizing PTCL’s extensive infrastructure and cloud capabilities. With the upcoming merger with Telenor Pakistan, Ufone should focus on integrating and optimizing network resources to provide superior coverage and service quality. Investing in developing localized cloud solutions tailored to SMEs and enterprises, particularly in underserved regions, will be crucial. Partnering with cost-effective and scalable cloud providers could enable Ufone to offer innovative solutions in healthcare, education, and agriculture, aligning with the country’s broader development goals.
As 2025 approaches, Jazz appears to be the clear frontrunner in the race for telecom superiority in Pakistan. Its comprehensive strategy, encompassing robust cloud adoption, significant infrastructure investments, and a focus on digital innovation, sets it apart from competitors. While Zong and Ufone have the potential to challenge Jazz’s dominance, they must adopt aggressive cloud strategies, focus on emerging technologies, and expand their service offerings to gain momentum in this highly competitive landscape.
