Telecommunications industry in South Korea – statistics and facts

Recently, the South Korean government’s plans to introduce a new player into the domestic telecommunications industry resulted in the launch of a new company called Stage X, which laid out ambitious plans to shake up the market by being the first company to commercialize 28GHz 5G frequency. The status quo of South Korea’s telecommunications industry is largely dominated by three main companies after the government’s decision to privatize the sector in the early 2000s. With the industry led by KT Corporation, SK Telecom, and LG U+, all three companies are among South Korea’s elite group of large companies. The aforementioned trio are active in all facets of telecommunications, providing services for mobile, landline, and internet customers in South Korea.

Who are the leaders in different telecommunications market segments?

South Korea is home to millions of mobile phone users, with SK Telecom claiming the top spot for mobile operator subscriptions. Soon after the launch of 5G in South Korea, SK Telecom has taken and successfully maintained the lion’s share of 5G subscriptions in the country. As the successor to the public enterprise that was formerly responsible for domestic telecommunications, KT continues to live up to its heritage by leading the market for traditional landlines and internet providers whilst also looking toward the future by involving itself in the advent of autonomous vehicles.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators in South Korea

Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs, offer an economically attractive alternative to the traditional big three Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The business model consists of MNVOs utilizing the networks of the traditional leading companies, and MNOs also provide their own MVNO services to customers in South Korea. Survey results highlighted that the leading factor for consumers choosing MVNOs was how cheaper the fees were compared to MNO contracts. Previously regarded as services aimed for older generations, changes in the demographics of MVNO subscribers are a noteworthy trend.