- Zuma Resources has signed a three-year deal with US-based Telna to step in to the global telecom market.
- The partnership allows Zuma to offer eSIMs and international roaming in over 200 countries, including the UK and Europe
- The company is also seeking a PTA license to operate as a new mobile service provider (MVNO) in Pakistan.
Zuma Resources Limited, a company originally known for its textile operations, has officially pivoted to the tech sector by signing a massive connectivity deal with Telna North America. According to a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday, the agreement gives Zuma access to a global digital infrastructure to launch its own international telecom brand.
Under this three-year contract, Zuma will use Telna’s network to provide digital SIM cards (eSIMs), global mobile data, and international roaming. This means the company can now act as a service provider for travelers and users worldwide, allowing them to switch between mobile networks across different countries seamlessly.
What These Companies Are
Zuma Resources: Formerly a textile mill called Bilal Fibres, it recently changed its name and business model. It is now transforming into a tech focused firm investing in digital infrastructure and telecommunications.
Telna North America is a major US technology company that owns a massive global network. They provide the “backbone” for mobile services, allowing other brands to offer roaming and data in nearly every country without needing their own towers.
New Mobile Network Brand for Pakistan?
Beyond global services, Zuma has confirmed it is planning to get a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). If approved, Zuma could launch a new mobile network in Pakistan.
Unlike Jazz or Zong, an MVNO doesn’t build its own towers but instead partners with existing companies to offer unique, often cheaper, mobile and data packages to local customers.
The Shift to eSIM
The deal focuses heavily on the “eSIM” market. Unlike the plastic SIM cards, we currently use, an eSIM is built into your phone and can be activated digitally. Zuma aims to target the European and UK markets first, offering travelers a way to stay connected without having to buy local SIM cards in every country they visit.
The company believes this move will create a steady stream of revenue as more people switch to digital-only mobile devices over the next few years.
