Zuma Resources Signs Global eSIM Deal With Telna — Is Cheap International Roaming Coming to Pakistan?
Pakistan’s Zuma Resources Limited has signed a landmark three-year global connectivity agreement with Telna North America Inc., a Canadian telecom platform operating in over 200 countries. The deal could open the door to affordable international roaming and eSIM services for Pakistani travellers — and potentially a new mobile operator in the domestic market.
What Is the Zuma Resources & Telna Deal?
Zuma Resources (PSX: ZUMA), formerly known as Bilal Fibres Limited, disclosed the agreement through a formal notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Under the deal, Telna will provide Zuma access to its Multi-IMSI global connectivity infrastructure, enabling the company to offer international mobile services including eSIM connectivity, mobile data, voice, SMS, and international roaming across multiple countries.
The agreement also gives Zuma the right to establish and launch its own global telecom brand, operate as a service provider across multiple jurisdictions, and integrate third-party partners into its platform.
“The company intends to leverage this agreement to develop, own, and operate its proprietary global telecom platform and brand, supported by Telna’s infrastructure and network integrations.” — Zuma Resources, PSX Filing
The initial term of the agreement is three years, with revenue expected through resale of telecom services and usage-based billing. Projected annual revenues in the initial phase range from $3 million to $5 million USD.
What Is Multi-IMSI Technology?
This is the technical heart of the deal. Multi-IMSI (Multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identity) technology allows a single SIM card to carry network profiles from multiple countries simultaneously. When you travel abroad, the SIM automatically connects to the local network — acting like a “local SIM” in that country.
For Pakistanis travelling to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, or Europe, this means no more buying a foreign SIM card at the airport. Your Zuma SIM would switch to the local network automatically, giving you local call and data rates and eliminating expensive international roaming charges.
Is Zuma Applying for a MVNO Licence From PTA?
Yes — this is the most significant development for Pakistan’s domestic telecom market. Zuma has stated it is evaluating the feasibility of applying for a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
An MVNO is a mobile operator that leases network capacity from an existing carrier — such as Jazz, Telenor, or Zong — and sells services under its own brand, typically at more competitive prices. MVNOs operate in most developed telecom markets and have historically brought down consumer prices wherever they launch.
It is important to note that the MVNO application is still under evaluation and subject to regulatory approval. No licence has been granted yet. But the intent is clear, and the Telna infrastructure partnership positions Zuma to meet PTA’s technical requirements if it proceeds.
Who Is Telna North America?
Some early reports described Telna as a US-based company. To be accurate, Telna North America Inc. is a Canadian-based global cellular connectivity platform that provides eSIM, physical SIM, and mobile network services in over 200 countries through partnerships with international mobile operators. The company recently launched a $100 million eSIM growth fund to support the next generation of travel eSIM MVNOs globally — and Zuma’s partnership fits directly into that strategy.
Who Is Zuma Resources?
Zuma Resources was, until recently, a textile and yarn manufacturing company known as Bilal Fibres Limited. Over the past year, it has undergone a complete strategic transformation — rebranding and pivoting into technology investments including AI-enabled services, electric vehicles, healthcare tech, e-commerce, and now telecommunications.
The company returned to the PSX’s Normal Counter in March 2026 after resolving prior regulatory compliance issues. It also approved the incorporation of a wholly-owned UK subsidiary to serve as its international operational hub for global telecom partnerships and Telna-related activities.
What Does This Mean for Pakistani Users?
For travellers: Once commercially launched, Zuma’s global eSIM service would allow Pakistani users to connect at local rates in 200+ countries without purchasing a local SIM — a genuine upgrade over the current reality of expensive roaming or the hassle of buying SIMs abroad.
For domestic users: If PTA grants the MVNO licence, a new virtual operator entering Pakistan’s telecom market would increase competition among Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone. Greater competition historically leads to cheaper packages and better service for everyday consumers.
A word of caution: MVNO licences in Pakistan are not automatically granted. Regulatory processes take time, and approval is not guaranteed. However, the PSX-verified infrastructure deal with Telna is a concrete, real first step.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Zuma Resources (PSX: ZUMA) signed a 3-year deal with Telna North America Inc.
- Services covered: eSIM, physical SIM, voice, data, and international roaming in 200+ countries
- Technology used: Multi-IMSI — one SIM works as a local SIM in multiple countries
- MVNO licence from PTA: under evaluation, not yet approved
- Projected revenue: $3–5 million USD annually in the initial phase
- UK subsidiary: approved to manage international operations
- Zuma was formerly Bilal Fibres Limited — a textile company turned tech firm
The Bottom Line
The Zuma Resources–Telna eSIM Pakistan deal is a verified, PSX-confirmed development. It marks one of the most noteworthy telecom moves by a Pakistani company in recent years. Whether it translates into a full domestic MVNO and consumer-facing services depends on PTA’s regulatory decisions and Zuma’s execution speed.
For Pakistani travellers and telecom watchers, this story is well worth following closely.
