Mountain town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Internet in Skardu: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Skardu?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Hotel wifi suits messages; SCO and Zong mobile data work in town but not on treks.
Getting online in Skardu
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Few homes have fixed broadband; hotels share lines. |
| Cafés and coworking | Hotel wifi suits messages; SCO and Zong mobile data work in town but not on treks. |
| Outages | Frequent power cuts; signal drops on the roads |
| 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 Skardu
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 Skardu?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Hotel wifi suits messages; SCO and Zong mobile data work in town but not on treks.
Which SIM card should I get in Skardu?
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 Skardu
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Pakistan
- Jazz
- Zong
- Ufone
- Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.