Mountain town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Internet in Gilgit: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Gilgit?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Hotel wifi is slow and unreliable. Mobile data works in town (SCOM is the main local network, Zong also has 4G) but drops on mountain roads.
Getting online in Gilgit
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fixed broadband is limited and often via SCO or PTCL DSL; slow and unreliable. Mobile 4G is the usual option. |
| Cafés and coworking | Hotel wifi is slow and unreliable. Mobile data works in town (SCOM is the main local network, Zong also has 4G) but drops on mountain roads. |
| Outages | Load-shedding and winter fuel shortages cause frequent outages |
| Tourist SIM | Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Jazz, Zong, Ufone |
| Monthly data plan | Rs1,000–2,500 ($3.6–9.0) |
| Blocked services | X was restored in May 2025; Bluesky and adult sites stay blocked. Mobile data is often suspended during protests and Muharram. |
Coworking in Gilgit
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in South Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 89 Mbps | — |
| Bangladesh | 71 Mbps | 39 Mbps |
| India | 64 Mbps | 128 Mbps |
| Sri Lanka | 37 Mbps | 59 Mbps |
| Pakistan | 18 Mbps | 32 Mbps |
| Afghanistan | 6 Mbps | 19 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Gilgit?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Hotel wifi is slow and unreliable. Mobile data works in town (SCOM is the main local network, Zong also has 4G) but drops on mountain roads.
Which SIM card should I get in Gilgit?
Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays.
Can I use an eSIM in Pakistan?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Gilgit
Going to Gilgit solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Pakistan
- Jazz
- Zong
- Ufone
- UK FCDO travel advice: Pakistan regional risks
- Aga Khan Development Network: Gilgit-Baltistan health facilities
- Zong: 4G in Gilgit-Baltistan
- National Highway Authority (KKH)
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.