Jazz records 650 Mbps peak speed in PTA network assessment

Jazz outperformed other mobile operators on key network performance indicators during a field survey conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Thursday, demonstrating stronger data speeds, voice call reliability, and overall service consistency.

The survey, led by PTA Chairman retired Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, involved simultaneous testing of mobile networks along major roads and connecting routes in the twin cities. Although all participating operators showed improvements, Jazz delivered particularly strong results in both voice and data services.

PTA deployed three teams to assess network performance under actual usage conditions. Officials, journalists, and telecom representatives made live voice calls, including intercity calls, and used mobile data services while traveling along designated routes.

The testing covered the New Islamabad International Airport, T-Chowk, Murree Road, Rawal Road, Srinagar Highway, Constitution Avenue, Club Road, and areas surrounding the old airport. The exercise examined service availability, call continuity, download speeds, and the reliability of mobile data connections across different locations.

According to PTA's official statement, preliminary findings demonstrated excellent network performance in the surveyed areas. The regulator said the assessment was intended to measure quality of experience (QoE) while identifying gaps requiring further attention.

Jazz's performance comes as the operator continues upgrading its 4G infrastructure and expanding 5G coverage. A major contributor to the improvements has been the optimized utilization of the 700 MHz spectrum band, which provides wider coverage and better indoor signal penetration than higher-frequency spectrum.

Jazz was the only operator to acquire spectrum in the 700 MHz band during Pakistan's latest spectrum auction, giving it an additional resource to strengthen network coverage and service consistency.

The company has also expanded its 5G network to 1,237 operational sites nationwide, including 126 in Islamabad and 64 in Rawalpindi. Other deployments cover Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, and several additional cities.

During the field assessment, Jazz recorded peak download speeds of up to 650 megabits per second (Mbps), alongside strong voice call consistency and data performance. The results reflected the combined impact of spectrum optimization, network modernization, and recent infrastructure investments.

Senior officials participating in the exercise included PTA Member (Finance) Muhammad Naveed, Member (Compliance and Enforcement) Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member (Telecom) Muhammad Jahanzeb Rahim, and Director General (Enforcement) retired Brigadier Amer Shahzad. Representatives of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, mobile operators, and the media also attended.

Thursday's survey followed a shorter assessment conducted on October 31 by PTA's Director General (Enforcement), as the regulator continued evaluating service improvements following recent network upgrades and spectrum deployment.

PTA said regular field monitoring and evidence-based assessments would remain central to its efforts to improve telecom service quality and ensure reliable connectivity for consumers.