Mobilink 3G Service Comparison in Pakistan with Zong, Telenor

As in most developing countries, in Pakistan, we see an expansion of mobile data networks. The old, and truly dated, 2G bands are slowly being replaced by newer, but still not quite as new, 3G bands.

Beyond 3G there are only two carriers. One is Zong 4G network and second is Warid 4G LTE Launching in fall 2014.

But for 3G there is a very interesting operator offering compelling services at an attractive price, which is Mobilink. The company has quickly developed 3G network of 9000+ cell sites across Pakistan in July 2014, being the only company to reach that mark in Pakistan. It operates its newest 3G equipment on the 10 MHz spectrum, bringing mobile data speeds to a whopping 7.2 Mbps. Of course that speed can't set records globally, considering that 3G's HSDPA+ reaches double digits well into the 40's, not talking about LTE's triple digest, but looking at the company's perspective those speed are not too far away.

So what does a mobile 3G network need to be successful? The right balance between price and quality.

Mobilink 3G Service in Pakistan compared to Zong and Telenor

A data carrier network service can be judged on 3 parameters; Cost, Coverage and Quality. To easily understand the which 3G network is better, let's compare Mobilink 3G packages rates in Pakistan with Telenor, Zong and other 3G operators. Pakistan's second largest cellphone carrier is Telenor. It enjoys a subscriber base of about 35 million, 3 million behind Mobilink. Telenor offers similar 3G services, but with a bit smaller coverage area.

Mobilink 3G Service Comparison in Pakistan with Zong, Telenor

Let's take a monthly 3G package into account for this comparison. Mobilink offers 1GB for Rs.150, while Telenor does not offer a 1GB plan. Telenor offers 2500MB plan in the same price. Which means Mobilink offers 4 times more data in the same 150 rupees budget.

Let's examine that how does Mobilink 3G Service stacks up against other carries, to give you the better bang for the buck. Zong, another carrier will charge user Rs.250 for the same amount of data. So Mobilink gets full points in the price department, 3G not being a cheap service, but Mobilink manages to offer it for a lower price.

Mobilink 3G Service Quality

Quality is the third most important factor next to Cost and Coverage. If we judge Mobilink 3G service in term of quality, this is the tougher one.

Mobilink has a wider coverage so, depending on your location, other choices might not be relevant to you. But as far as Mobilink 3G speed is concerned, it is said to reach a maximum of 7.2 Mbps theoretically. But in reality we doubt you will have a constant high speed internet connection. The problem with the Mobilink 3G mobile network is that you can't exactly predict the load of network operation at a given moment. Your speed will depend on the number of users at the particular nod at the time of use. Thus it is safe to expect a general speed of 4mbps.

Mobilink has a big leap forward with launching of 3G network, it even launched Mobilink 3G dongle for you to enjoy wireless internet on your laptop or PC and it sure has created a lot of hype around with the TV advertisements. But we will see how the 3G situation shapes up in Pakistan following Mobilink's competitors announcing their expansion and innovation plans.