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'{{For|other similarly named articles|Zong (disambiguation){{!}}Zong}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}{{Infobox company | name = Zong | trade_name = Zong<br />China Mobile Pakistan | logo = Zong.png | type = Telecommunication Operator | logo_caption = | former_name = [[Paktel]] | image = Zong headquarters Islamabad.jpg | image_caption = Zong Headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan | foundation = {{start date and age|2008|04}} | location = [[Islamabad]], [[Pakistan]] | industry = [[Telecommunication]]s <br /> Mobile Communications | area_served = [[Pakistan]] | key_people = Wang Hua (CEO) | num_employees = | products = Mobile services<br />Data services<br />Mobile banking<br />Telephony<br />Blackberry solution | revenue = | net_income = | parent = [[China Mobile]] | homepage = {{url|www.zong.com.pk}} }} '''CMPak Limited'''<ref>{{cite web |title=CMPAK LIMITED |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/pk/0019502 |website=[[opencorporates.com]] |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=China Mobile Pakistan Limited: Private Company Information |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=10403887 |website=[[bloomberg.com]] |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref> ({{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|زونگ}}}}), doing business under brand name '''Zong''', is a Pakistan based mobile data network operator, owned by the company [[China Mobile]]. It is the first overseas setup of [[China Mobile]] through acquisition of a license from [[Millicom]] to operate a GSM network in Pakistan in 2008.<ref name="ZONG Homepage">{{cite web|url=http://www.zong.com.pk|title=About ZONG|work=Zong Homepage}}</ref> Zong is a 100% subsidiary of China Mobile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youlinmagazine.com/article/zong-china-mobile-in-pakistan/MjE=|title=ZONG: CHINA MOBILE IN PAKISTAN|access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref> It is Pakistan's second-largest GSM mobile service provider and third largest mobile service in terms of subscriber base of 43 million, among which 27 million are 4G/LTE subscribers. With over 14,000 [[4G]] enabled sites across the county, it has a market share of 22% among cellular operators in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Attaa |first=Aamir |date=2014-03-19 |title=Zong Achieves 25 Million Customers |url=https://propakistani.pk/2014/03/19/zong-achieves-25-million-customers/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-01-07 |title=ZONG manages to boost its growth to 34.1% during 2012 {{!}} The News Tribe |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107050805/http://www.thenewstribe.com/2013/01/04/zong-manages-to-boost-its-growth-to-34-1-during-2012/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Attaa |first=Aamir |date=2014-05-02 |title=Mobile Phone Users in Pakistan Reach 136.5 Million |url=https://propakistani.pk/2014/05/02/mobile-phone-users-in-pakistan-reach-136-5-million/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pta.gov.pk/index.php/en/telecom-indicators/1|title=Telecom Indicators {{!}} PTA|website=www.pta.gov.pk|access-date=2017-11-15}}</ref> ==History== Zong commenced operations as [[Paktel]] by [[Cable & Wireless plc|Cable & Wireless]] in 1991. It was the first company granted a free license to carry out [[cellular phone]] services in Pakistan. It carried out [[Advanced Mobile Phone System|AMPS]] services until 2004, when the company launched GSM services. In 2003, [[Millicom]] Corporation, who at that time were majority owners of [[Instaphone]], bought Paktel from Cable & Wireless. Millicom installed a new management team headed by John Tumelty, former CEO of Instaphone, and Chief Financial Officer David Ordman. On 22 January 2007, Millicom International Cellular S.A. stated that it would sell its 88.86 percent stake in Paktel Limited to China Mobile for $284 million, which includes the repayment of intercompany debt. The sale implies an [[enterprise value]] for Paktel of $460 million, Millicom said in its press release. Merrill Lynch advised China Mobile on the transaction. On 4 May 2007, Paktel Limited was renamed to China Mobile Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.chinamobileltd.com/about.php?menu=6 | title = Paktel renamed CMPak| access-date = 2007-12-11 | publisher = China Mobile Limited | language = zh }}</ref> On May 16, 2007 China Mobile announced that it had increased its stake in CMPak to 100%.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ltcinternational.com/press-clippings/2007_05.php | title = May 2007 Archived Press Clippings : LTC International, Telecom Headlines and Industry News | access-date = 2007-12-11 | publisher = LTC International Inc. }}</ref> On 1 April 2008, Paktel was rebranded to Zong.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2008 |title=China Mobile re-brands Paktel as Zong |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/china-mobile-rebrands-paktel-as-zong--584747 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.telecompaper.com}}</ref> ==Network== China Mobile Pakistan has invested more than US$2 billion so far to build up network infrastructure in Pakistan since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-28 |title=Zong ready to invest $ 0.6 million for LDI operations {{!}} Telecom Recorder |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228061326/http://www.telecomrecorder.com/world-premium-telecom/zong-ready-to-invest-millions-to-roll-out-global-calls-network/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> It will invest US$1 billion in next two to three year for next generation service roll-out.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2014-04-26 |title=Inflow: Zong to make licence payment in dollars |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/700716/inflow-zong-to-make-licence-payment-in-dollars |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Zong has built the third-largest cellular network in the country with over 10,000 [[base stations]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |title=Cell locations rise in FY09-10 {{!}} Pakistan Today |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2010/12/17/cell-locations-rise-in-fy09-10/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-GB}}</ref> To [[go green]], Zong has installed solar powered cell sites in various locations. It has country's largest solar power telecommunication network.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sik |first=Saleh |last2=ar |date=2010-12-22 |title=Zong Plans to Develop More Solar-Powered Cell Sites |url=https://propakistani.pk/2010/12/22/zong-plans-to-develop-more-solar-powered-cell-sites/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-02 |title=China Mobile plans to develop solar-powered cell sites - thenews.com.pk |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=21490&Cat=3 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032013/http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=21490&Cat=3 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:Zong 4G1.jpg|Pakistan's first 4G operator|thumbnail]]Its [[Base stations|network base stations]], microwave links, IT support and transmission towers are maintained and provided by [[ZTE#ZTE Pakistan Pvt Ltd|ZTE Pakistan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-02-10 |title=State of Telecom Industry in Pakistan » Expansion Of Telecom Infrastructure In Pakistan: ZTE And CMPak In USD100 Million Base Station Deal. |url=http://telecompk.net/2008/12/04/expansion-of-telecom-infrastructure-in-pakistan-zte-and-cmpak-in-usd100-million-base-station-deal/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210151728/http://telecompk.net/2008/12/04/expansion-of-telecom-infrastructure-in-pakistan-zte-and-cmpak-in-usd100-million-base-station-deal/ |archive-date=10 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Zong currently uses [[GSM]], [[UMTS]]/[[High Speed Packet Access|HSPA+]] and [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] technologies. ===Radio frequency summary=== {| class="wikitable" !Frequency !Protocol !Band !Class !Channel Width |- |900&nbsp;MHz |[[GSM]]/[[General Packet Radio Service|GPRS]]/[[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]] | |2G |7.6&nbsp;MHz |- |1800&nbsp;MHz |[[GSM]]/[[General Packet Radio Service|GPRS]]/[[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]] | |2G |1&nbsp;MHz |- |2100&nbsp;MHz |[[UMTS]]/[[Evolved High Speed Packet Access|HSPA+]]/[[Evolved High Speed Packet Access|DC-HSPA+]] |1 |3G |5&nbsp;MHz / 10&nbsp;MHz |- |1800&nbsp;MHz |[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]/[[LTE Advanced|LTE-A]] |3 |4G |15&nbsp;MHz |- |2100&nbsp;MHz |[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]/[[LTE Advanced|LTE-A]] |1 |4G |10&nbsp;MHz |} Zong has refarmed 5&nbsp;MHz of its 2100&nbsp;MHz 3G spectrum for 4G. They are currently deploying (via carrier aggregation) 15&nbsp;MHz of Band 3 (1800&nbsp;MHz), and 10&nbsp;MHz<!-- 10MHz of L2100, while the previous comment says that 5MHz of U2100 was refarmed for 4G, so does that mean 2100 isn't being utilised for 3G since Zong only has 10MHz BW in 2100 overall? --> of Band 1 (2100&nbsp;MHz) for [[LTE Advanced|LTE-A]]. === Next generation mobile services === On 23 April 2014, Pakistan concluded the auction for the next generation of mobile spectrum. Zong paid $516 million for a 10&nbsp;MHz spectrum in the 2.1&nbsp;GHz frequency range for 3G and a 10&nbsp;MHz spectrum in the 1.8&nbsp;GHz frequency range for 4G, making it Pakistan's first 3G and 4G operator.<ref name=":0" /> === LTE Advanced (4G+) === Zong has 4G+ (LTE-A) coverage in all major cities of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mobile & 3G/4G Coverage - Zong 4G |url=https://www.zong.com.pk/about-zong/zong-coverage |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.zong.com.pk}}</ref> === 5G Testing === As of August 2019, Zong is the first of three mobile network operators in Pakistan to successfully conduct [[5G]] trials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-10 |title=Pakistan becomes the first country in South East Asia to test 5G |url=https://nation.com.pk/22-Aug-2019/get-ready-for-5g-as-pakistan-conducts-first-successful-test |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210184503/https://nation.com.pk/22-Aug-2019/get-ready-for-5g-as-pakistan-conducts-first-successful-test |archive-date=10 February 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Get ready for 5G as Pakistan conducts first successful test |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Technology/506015-Get-ready-for-5G-as-Pakistan-conducts-first-successful-test |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=Dunya News}}</ref> In the trial, speeds of up to 1.14 GB/s were achieved.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hussain|first=Javed|date=2019-08-22|title='Pakistan on short list of 5G-ready countries with Zong's successful trial'|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1501031|access-date=2021-04-23|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> ===Number scheming=== Zong uses the following numbering scheme: +92 3 1 N₁N₂N₃N₄N₅N₆N₇N₈ Where, 92 is the [[International Subscriber Dialling|ISD]] code for Pakistan and is required when dialing outside the country, 3 is the mobile access code, and 1 is the prefix for Zong allocated by [[Pakistan Telecommunication Authority]]. Omitting +92 would require 0 instead to represent local call, hence 031 is the general prefix and N₁N₂N₃N₄N₅N₆N₇N₈ is the subscriber number. === Zong Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) === Zong plans to launch [[Fiber-to-the home|Fiber-to-the-Home]] (FTTH) Broadband internet. Initially the service will only be available in select areas of Karachi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=2019-07-25 |title=Zong 4G Announces Zong Fiber, Its Direct-to-Home Fiber Optic Internet Service |url=https://propakistani.pk/2019/07/25/zong-4g-announces-zong-fiber-its-direct-to-home-fiber-optic-internet-service/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> ==Marketing== ===Stores=== Zong operates 22 customer service centres, 305 [[franchising|franchises]], and 190,000 [[retail]] customer points nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nation.com.pk/business/03-Mar-2012/zong-prize-for-franchises|title=Zong prize for franchises|work=The Nation|date=3 March 2012|access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref> ===Slogans=== [[File:Zong Logo.png|right|thumb|Previous logo of Zong with slogan]] At the time of its launch in 2008, China Mobile Pakistan ran the [[advertising campaign]] for Zong with the tagline 'Say it all' ({{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|سب کہہ دو}}}}). Now, China Mobile Pakistan runs advertising for Zong with new tagline 'A NEW DREAM' ({{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|ایک نیا خواب}}}}). [[File:Zong-logo.png|right|thumb|New logo of Zong with its new slogan]] ===Products=== Zong offers [[prepaid mobile phones|prepaid]], [[postpaid]], ladies, and youth plans. The postpaid, ladies, and youth plans are branded as bizXcess, Flutter, and Circle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathar |first=M. |date=2012-07-03 |title=Zong Introduces Flutter, Ultimate Mobile Package for Ladies |url=https://propakistani.pk/2012/07/03/zong-introduces-flutter-ultimate-mobile-offer-for-ladies/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathar |first=M. |date=2013-04-30 |title=Zong Launches Postpaid Service BizXcess |url=https://propakistani.pk/2013/04/30/zong-launches-postpaid-service-bizxcess/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Attaa |first=Aamir |date=2013-06-13 |title=Zong Launches Youth Specific Offering: Circle |url=https://propakistani.pk/2013/06/13/zong-launches-youth-specific-offering-circle/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> Moreover, it also offers data plans and [[Branchless banking|branch-less banking]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Attaa |first=Aamir |date=2012-05-23 |title=Breaking: Zong, Askari Bank Step Into Branchless Banking |url=https://propakistani.pk/2012/05/23/breaking-zong-askari-bank-step-into-branchless-banking/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> ==Partnership with Manchester United F.C.== In October 2011, Zong signed a three-year partnership deal with the English football club [[Manchester United F.C.]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-27 |title=Manchester United announce deal with Zong - Official Manchester United Website |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2011/Oct/Manchester-United-Zong-mobile-partner.aspx |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027171806/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2011/Oct/Manchester-United-Zong-mobile-partner.aspx |archive-date=27 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-26 |title=Manchester United signs partnership deal with Zong |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/282334/manchester-united-signs-partnership-deal-with-zong |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The deal allowed the club's Pakistani fans to see all the goals scored, exclusive interviews, news, and behind-the-scenes access.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-23 |title=United, Zong sign three-year accord |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C10%5C26%5Cstory_26-10-2011_pg5_18 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923045132/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C10%5C26%5Cstory_26-10-2011_pg5_18 |archive-date=23 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ZONG also made a television commercial featuring the Manchester United players [[Dimitar Berbatov]], [[Rio Ferdinand]], [[Darren Fletcher]], and [[Ashley Young]] playing street football with Pakistani children.<ref>{{Citation |title=Zong's Manchester United Ad |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILr7HkGCeuk |language=en |access-date=2022-04-21}}</ref> In 2012, Zong sent 32 boys<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasan |first=Shazia |date=2011-10-26 |title=Manchester United's best to aid Pakistani footballers |url=https://www.dawn.com/2011/10/26/manchester-uniteds-best-to-aid-pakistani-footballers/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> for a one-week training camp to Manchester United Soccer School in [[Abu Dhabi]]. 120 teams with maximum 16 players each were identified and trials were conducted in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad by a team of professional coaches. A total of three teams were formed in Karachi, two in Lahore, one each in Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad. The coaches then identified 32 boys to send to Abu Dhabi from these 8 teams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-23 |title=Soccer training: Zong to send Pakistan youngsters to Abu Dhabi |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012%5C04%5C13%5Cstory_13-4-2012_pg2_10 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923053240/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012%5C04%5C13%5Cstory_13-4-2012_pg2_10 |archive-date=23 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Awards== On 26 September 2013, the [[President of Pakistan]] honoured Zong as the fastest growing cellular network at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-29 |title=Zong wins award |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-204744-Zong-wins-award |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929094341/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-204744-Zong-wins-award |archive-date=29 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-28 |title=RCCI awards: Zong wins ‘fastest growing network’ award |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/610921/rcci-awards-zong-wins-fastest-growing-network-award |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, Zong was declared the number 1 data network by the [[Pakistan Telecommunication Authority|PTA]]. ==Mobile banking== ===Timepey=== <!-- Courtesy note [[Timepay]] links here --> Timepey was the mobile banking service offered by Zong in association with Askari Bank Limited from late 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-03 |title=Askari Bank, Zong launch technology-based branchless banking - thenews.com.pk |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-146058-Askari-Bank-Zong-launch-technology-based-branchless-banking |access-date=2022-04-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203000113/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-146058-Askari-Bank-Zong-launch-technology-based-branchless-banking |archive-date=3 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Timepey lets users pay utility bills, transfer money to specified recipients anywhere in the country, deposit and withdraw cash and carry out account transfers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-110250-Askari-Bank-Zong-offer-branchless-banking-services|title=Askari Bank, Zong offer branchless banking services|date=25 May 2012|work=The News International, Pakistan|access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-01 |title=Branchless banking: Zong, Askari Bank officially jump on the bandwagon |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/473815/branchless-banking-zong-askari-bank-officially-jump-on-the-bandwagon |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> === PayMax === Discontinuing Timepey in 2017, Zong relaunched its mobile financial services with a new brand "PayMax" in association with [[Askari Bank|Askari Bank Limited]]. PayMax lets users pay utility bills, transfer money to specified recipients anywhere in the country, deposit and withdraw cash and carry out account transfers. ===Bank of Punjab partnership=== The [[Bank of Punjab]] rolled out internet banking in partnership with [[Wateen]] and Zong for operations to be carried out over the internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telecomrecorder.com/world-premium-telecom/zong-gsm/bop-to-deliver-branches-banking-services-with-wateen-zong/ |title=BoP to Deliver Branches Banking Services With Wateen, Zong |access-date=April 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502004854/https://www.telecomrecorder.com/world-premium-telecom/zong-gsm/bop-to-deliver-branches-banking-services-with-wateen-zong/ |archive-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> ==See also== * [[List of mobile phone companies in Pakistan]] ==References== <references /> ==External links== *{{Official website}} {{Mobile network operators of Pakistan}} [[Category:China Mobile]] [[Category:Mobile phone companies of Pakistan]] [[Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 2008]] [[Category:China–Pakistan relations]] [[Category:Pakistani subsidiaries of foreign companies]] [[Category:[https://smartpakistan.pk/zong-internet-packages-3g-4g-5g/ Internet service providers of Pakistan]]] [[Category:Companies based in Islamabad]]'