The global telecommunications landscape is at a pivotal juncture. Today connectivity is more than just speed, it’s about how networks enable industrial, social, and economic transformation. In Pakistan, this transformation is embodied by Zong, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Ltd., the world’s largest mobile operator by network size, subscribers and revenue. With a subscriber base exceeding 1 billion, 5G users over 0.64 billion and FTTH users surpassing 0.33 billion, China Mobile provides Zong with unmatched technical expertise, financial strength, and global scale. The “China Mobile Edge” positions Zong a competitive advantage; positioning it at the forefront of Pakistan’s 5G Era, driving innovation, connectivity and the next generation of digital experiences.
Zong’s strength stems from its access to China Mobile’s global capabilities. China Mobile dominates China’s mobile market and operates a vast data ecosystem that powers AI-driven network optimization and strategic investments. With 2.59 million 5G sites in China (accounting for over one-third of the world’s total) and 18,000+ active patents in the 5G/6G, China Mobile has ranked first among global operators for three consecutive years.
In Pakistan, Zong has mirrored the same globally proven approach, investing over USD 3 billion in network densification, fiber expansion, and R&D alignment with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. Leveraging centralized procurement and global best practices, Zong deploys advanced 5G-ready infrastructure efficiently, turning CMCC’s global scale into a tangible local advantage for Pakistan’s connectivity and digital transformation.
A robust terrestrial network is the foundation for 5G, beyond just radio access. Zong operates over 26,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, connecting more than 17,000 sites. This infrastructure enabled Pakistan’s first Terabit-per-second (1 Tbps) traffic milestone in 2024, demonstrating the network’s ability to handle the massive data demands of 5G. By applying China Mobile’s global best practices from over 1,300 data centers, Zong has built a state-of-the-art Tier III certified Cloud Intelligent Computing Center. This infrastructure serves as a foundational pillar for Pakistan’s digital landscape, providing the essential reliability, scale and capacity needed to power advanced 5G applications and drive the national digital transformation.
5G requires higher site density, especially in the 3500 MHz C-band, which delivers ultra-low latency but has a shorter range. To meet this demand Zong plans to upgrade 1,000+ TTD sites in Y2026 and upgrade 10% of existing towers within the first year of commercial 5G. These upgrades follow China Mobile’s “Green 5G” blueprint, integrating AI-driven energy optimization to efficiently manage the high-power requirements of dense 5G networks.
Artificial Intelligence is central to Zong’s 5G strategy. The “AIR RAN” (AI-Reshaped Radio Access Network) leverages CMCC’s global expertise to autonomously optimize network performance. Early deployments in Islamabad have delivered a 39% increase in peak-hour downlink throughput, a 17% boost in network capacity, and notable reductions in energy consumption, demonstrating how AI transforms traditional networks into intelligent, efficient systems. Beyond the network, Zong has also introduced OZGpt, Pakistan’s first telecom-scale AI assistant, providing real-time insights for engineers and enhanced digital engagement for customers, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation and intelligent connectivity.
The China Mobile Edge extends to strategic initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road under CPEC 2.0. Zong’s network delivers high-capacity connectivity for industrial zones, smart port operations at Gwadar, and cross-border fiber projects like 2Africa submarine cable project and the Khunjerab-Rawalpindi backbone. These investments provide low-latency, high-bandwidth infrastructure necessary to support Pakistan’s growing digital economy and enable the country’s next wave of industrial and technological growth.
While socio-economic transformation is aspirational goal for Pakistan, a fully deployed 5G network positions Zong to drive innovations in precision agriculture, telemedicine, immersive education, and next-generation digital services. These capabilities will bring Pakistan closer to a fully connected, digitally empowered future, unlocking new opportunities for individuals, businesses, industries, and the national economy.
Guided by China Mobile’s vision of building a world-class technology service enterprise, Zong is translating global expertise into local impact in Pakistan. By combining advanced 5G infrastructure, AI-driven solutions, and innovative digital services, Zong is enabling businesses, industries, and communities to thrive. This strategic edge allows Zong to drive economic growth, empower citizens, and shape a fully connected, digitally advanced future, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Pakistan’s transformation into a world-class digital economy.
