When it comes to affordable and reliable internet packages for students in Pakistan, two names come up frequently—Onic and Zong. Both networks have tailored packages to meet the needs of students who require data for educational purposes, social media, and entertainment. With the increasing reliance on online learning platforms, staying connected is more important than ever. But which network offers the best value for students? In this article, we will compare Onic and Zong based on their internet packages, pricing, speed, and overall value to help students make the best choice in 2025.
Overview of Onic and Zong
Onic is a relatively new player in the Pakistani telecom market but has quickly gained popularity due to its attractive data packages, especially for budget-conscious users. Onic primarily targets younger demographics, offering affordable data plans and a focus on social media usage.
Zong, as one of Pakistan’s leading telecom operators, is known for its extensive 4G network, competitive pricing, and a broad selection of packages. Zong has been a favorite among students for years due to its value-for-money offerings, especially in terms of data.
1. Internet Speed and Coverage Comparison
When choosing an internet provider, internet speed and network coverage are two of the most important factors to consider. After all, fast and reliable internet is essential for online research, attending virtual classes, and socializing.
Zong Internet Speed:
- Zong offers one of the fastest mobile internet speeds in Pakistan, with 4G speeds that can reach up to 40 Mbps in urban areas.
- Zong’s network is strong in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where it provides reliable, fast internet for students to stream lectures, conduct research, and use educational apps.
- Zong is actively expanding its coverage in rural areas, although 4G availability can be more limited in some parts of the country.
Onic Internet Speed:
- Onic, although newer, has been leveraging 4G LTE technology to offer competitive speeds for data-heavy activities such as video streaming, gaming, and research.
- Onic’s speeds generally range from 20 to 30 Mbps, which is fast enough for most student needs, including video conferencing and online classes.
- However, Onic’s coverage may not be as extensive as Zong’s, especially in rural areas or less populated regions.
Internet Speed and Coverage Summary:
- Zong offers better overall coverage and higher speeds, especially in urban centers.
- Onic provides sufficient speed for most students’ needs, but its coverage might not be as broad as Zong’s in rural areas.
2. Internet Packages for Students
Both Onic and Zong offer affordable internet packages that are designed with students in mind. These packages focus on data, offering affordable rates for online classes, social media, and entertainment like YouTube and Netflix.
Zong Student Packages:
- Zong Daily Internet Package: 1 GB for PKR 15
- Zong Weekly Internet Package: 5 GB for PKR 120
- Zong Monthly Internet Package: 15 GB for PKR 600
- Zong Super Card: 10 GB for PKR 599 (includes minutes and SMS)
- Zong Monthly Social Package: 5 GB for social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp for PKR 300
Zong’s packages are especially attractive for students who use mobile internet extensively. The Zong Super Card is a great all-in-one option for students who need data, minutes, and SMS in a single, affordable bundle. Additionally, the monthly social package is perfect for students who use social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram frequently.
Onic Student Packages:
- Onic Daily Internet Package: 2 GB for PKR 25
- Onic Weekly Internet Package: 10 GB for PKR 150
- Onic Monthly Internet Package: 20 GB for PKR 550
- Onic Monthly Social Package: 6 GB for social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp for PKR 350
Onic offers higher data compared to Zong at a similar or lower price point, especially for users who rely heavily on mobile data. The Onic monthly package is a great option for students who need more than 15 GB per month. The social package is also quite affordable for those who primarily use social media platforms.
Package Comparison Summary:
- Zong offers a wider range of data packages and provides more options for users who need a mix of data, calls, and SMS.
- Onic offers higher data allowances at competitive prices, especially in its monthly internet packages. It’s a great choice for students who need large amounts of data but don’t require many call minutes or SMS.
3. Price Comparison
Price is always a major consideration for students who are often on a tight budget. Both Onic and Zong offer affordable packages, but how do their pricing structures compare?
| Package Type | Zong | Onic |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Data Package | 1 GB for PKR 15 | 2 GB for PKR 25 |
| Weekly Data Package | 5 GB for PKR 120 | 10 GB for PKR 150 |
| Monthly Data Package | 15 GB for PKR 600 | 20 GB for PKR 550 |
| Super Card (All-in-One) | 10 GB for PKR 599 | N/A |
| Monthly Social Media Package | 5 GB for PKR 300 | 6 GB for PKR 350 |
Price Summary:
- Onic provides better value for data-centric users, offering larger data packages for a lower price.
- Zong offers more flexibility with packages that combine data, calls, and SMS, which may be more convenient for students who need a variety of services.
4. Network Reliability and Customer Service
Both Onic and Zong are known for their strong customer service and network reliability.
Zong Customer Service:
- Zong provides excellent customer service with 24/7 support through various channels, including online chat, helplines, and social media.
- Zong’s network is quite reliable, especially in urban areas, and offers good call quality and consistent internet speeds.
Onic Customer Service:
- As a newer network, Onic is still building its customer service reputation. However, the company has a strong presence online and offers multiple ways to reach customer support, including live chat and call centers.
- Onic’s network performance is generally reliable, especially in urban centers, though it may face some challenges in more rural areas.
Reliability Summary:
- Zong has a more established track record for customer service and reliability across both urban and rural areas.
- Onic provides good support but may have some limitations in rural regions where its coverage is not as extensive.
Conclusion
In 2025, Zong and Onic both offer great value for students, but the best choice depends on individual needs:
- Zong is ideal for students who require reliable coverage, good customer service, and a mix of data, calls, and SMS. The Super Card and monthly social media packages are perfect for those who need a versatile package.
- Onic is an excellent choice for students who prioritize affordable, high-data packages and use mobile data heavily for online classes, social media, and entertainment. Its lower price point for large data allowances makes it appealing for budget-conscious students.
Ultimately, both networks offer strong options, but Zong’s broader coverage and more flexible packages make it the top choice for students who need a combination of services, while Onic stands out for data-heavy users on a budget.