ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s early 5G networks recorded an average download speed of 127.74 Mbps in the second quarter of 2026, nearly 6.8 times higher than the national 4G average, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) latest mobile network experience benchmarking report.
The report, prepared in collaboration with Opensignal, is based on 90 days of real-user measurements collected through smartphones across 20 cities. It assessed download and upload speeds, video and gaming experience, and the amount of time users remained connected to different network technologies.
The national average 4G download speed was 18.9 Mbps across all devices, rising to 31.3 Mbps on high-end smartphones. The average 4G upload speed stood at 5.32 Mbps, while the average 5G upload speed was 12.7 Mbps.
Despite the higher speeds offered by 5G, users spent 93.67 per cent of their connected time on 4G networks, compared with only 3.95 per cent on 5G.
The report also showed a significant difference in video and gaming experience. The 5G video experience score was 67.33 out of 100, compared with 37.53 for 4G. Mobile gaming experience scored 62.05 on 5G against 43.85 on 4G.
PTA cautioned that 5G deployment is still at an early stage, with limited coverage and a relatively small user base. It said the 5G figures should therefore be considered indicative rather than a conclusive measure of nationwide network performance.
The Opensignal data reflects the actual experience of users while streaming videos, making calls, browsing the internet and using applications. Measurements were collected both indoors and outdoors during peak and off-peak periods.
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The methodology differs from PTA’s controlled quality-of-service drive tests, which are carried out under specific testing conditions.
Among the operators, Zong recorded the highest national 4G download speed at 18.55 Mbps, followed by Jazz at 17.61 Mbps, Ufone at 12.82 Mbps and Telenor at 7.5 Mbps.
Zong also recorded the highest national 4G upload speed at 7.81 Mbps, while Ufone topped the national gaming experience category.
The report showed differences in network performance across the 20 cities covered by the assessment. Zong recorded the strongest results across the measured categories in Lahore and Multan, while Jazz performed strongly in download and video experience in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Network performance also varied more widely in smaller cities and remote areas.
