Pakistan’s Zuma Resources signs global telecom deal with US-based Telna, eyes eSIM market entry

Zuma Resources Limited — formerly known as Bilal Fibres Limited —  has entered into a global connectivity agreement with US-based Telna North America Inc., marking a strategic pivot into the international telecom space as the company eyes launching its own global mobile services brand and tapping into the fast-growing eSIM market.

In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, the company shared that under the agreement, Telna shall provide Zuma access to its multi-IMSI global connectivity infrastructure, enabling the provision of international mobile telecommunications services, including eSIM connectivity, mobile data services, voice and SMS services, and international roaming capabilities across multiple networks

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Zuma shall have the right to establish and commercially launch its own global telecom brand. It shall also have the right to utilise Telna’s connectivity infrastructure to deliver telecom services to end users worldwide.

Moreover, the agreement would allow Zuma to operate as a reseller and service provider across multiple jurisdictions, integrate third-party partners and service providers and retain full commercial flexibility, including the ability to adopt a multi-supplier operating model.

“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,” said Zuma.

It added that the agreement is expected to facilitate Zuma’s entry into the rapidly growing global digital connectivity and eSIM market, enabling the company to build scalable and recurring revenue streams.

The company was of the view that the agreement would strengthen Zuma’s position in international telecom and digital infrastructure sectors, and support future expansion into global markets, including Europe, the United Kingdom, and other regions

According to the disclosure, the agreement has an initial term of three years, subject to renewal, with revenue to be generated through the resale of telecom services and usage-based billing mechanisms. The commercial structure is designed to scale with subscriber growth and traffic volumes, enabling large-scale deployment of services globally.

Zuma further shared that it is evaluating the feasibility of applying for a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which is subject to regulatory approvals and applicable legal requirements.