Pakistan’s leading telecom operators—including Jazz, Ufone, Zong, and Telenor—are actively diversifying into digital services like fintech, cloud computing, content streaming, and enterprise solutions to reduce reliance on traditional voice and data revenues. Jazz has transformed into a technology-focused company, heavily promoting its JazzCash mobile banking and launching cloud, messaging, and digital content services. Similarly, Zong and PTCL invest in AI-powered tools and cloud infrastructure targeting business clients.
This strategic pivot responds to shrinking average revenue per user (ARPU) and rising operational costs driven by spectrum fees, currency volatility, and high interest rates. Although data services comprise about 65% of industry revenue, operators seek sustainable income streams through investments in Tier-III data centers, secure cloud platforms, and business continuity services, focusing on sectors like banking, education, and health.
Experts emphasize that Pakistan’s telecom sector must evolve into integrated technology ecosystems to survive long term, with government support, public-private collaboration, and innovation as key enablers.
