Which Operators Will Win 3G / 4G Licenses?

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3G_Pakistan

At a time when 3G – 4G spectrum auction is nearing and its less than just a month now that we will have at most three 3G operators and two 4G operators in the country.

The stage has been set, final arrangements are being made and everyone is with fingers crossed to see their respective operator getting 3G/4G licenses to ultimately enjoy high-speed broadband internet on their smartphones.

However, not everyone will win third-gen spectrum license. That’s what we are certain about.

Here is the proposition:

  • There are currently five operators in Pakistan
  • At least four operators are in do-or-die situation to win next-gen license
  • There are (slight) chances of new entrant as well
  • To get a 4G license, winning a 3G license is mandatory

This proposition translates into an equation where there are at least four operators that will compete for three 3G licenses. Two out of these three operators with 3G licenses can get 4G licenses too.

For those who are wondering, at least 3G license is mandatory for cellular operators to keep earning profits for next 3-5 years. A 4G license will give them added value throughout next decade to sit at a position where they will be able to double their revenues every 2-3 years for at least 12-15 years.

Those who won’t be able to grab 3G licenses will become Instaphone of 2003 onwards.

About current operators, Mobilink is leading the market with over 37 million customers. With 3G in hands, Mobilink will best placed to convert its customers to 3G or beyond.

Telenor – part of Telenor Group – has 32 million customers. They just completed its network swap and are ready to get the license.

Ufone — part of PTCL and partly owned by Etisalat of UAE – is dying to grab its maximum share from upcoming broadband boom in the country. Ufone has mechanical advantage of leveraging PTCL’s wide broadband infrastructure in the country.

Zong – part of China Mobile – is sitting on tons of billions, all ready to be spent on infrastructure.

These operators will go to any level to get 3G spectrum. They can’t miss the opportunity to be part of a driving force that is likely to trigger Pakistan’s economy by over Rs. 1,000 billions.

Chances of Warid for getting a 3G license are minimal. However, having a new entrant with 3G license is not beyond expectation.

Who will be the final winner of the next-gen licenses is hard to tell, but we thought of collecting your thoughts through polls below. Please vote your favourite operator to express yourself.



Tech and telecom reporter for over 15 years


  • The real competition is between zong and ufone. But i think zong will take over ufone as its backbone is very strong. Not sure but it will be a tough competition

  • To early to start this debate.. and pointless… the one that spends more will earn more….

  • My Prediction – Telenor, Mobilink and Ufone will grab 3G (Chance of a New entrant too) . 4G Will be Telenor and Ufone .. If a new Entrant like Turk Cell or Saudi Teleco enter in this auction then the competition will be tough for 4G.

    However I disagree with the point that the company who wont be able to get 3G will be Instaphone of 2003 on wards is not possible because a huge number of Users are not using Smart phones etc and the company who left with 2G can offer best deals on Voice and survive in market.

    Example of UK is in-front of us, when Hutch got the license for 3G, Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile survived because of their attractive voice and handset deals. Similarly in the Case of 4G, When O2 survived in market.

    Well finger crossed. I wish Mobilink best of luck for both 3G and 4G because I wont like to use MNP option for my old Mobilink number :)

  • Can anyone please explain how will 3G actually work? I mean do we have to buy new SIMs from Telenor, Zong… whoever wins the license or there will be some other method to get 3G?

    Also, is 3G only for mobile operators and not for ISPs? Wateen, Wi-tribe… etc they don’t have to do anything with 3G? because you only mentioned Telecom operators in your poll.

  • All the four are main competitors and its a good omen that there are four competitions and it will be great competition between them who provides the best services to the users.


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