584,205 Mobile Number Portability Cases in May... Most Users Switched to SK Telecom
Handset Replacement Demand in Family Month
Galaxy S26 Subsidies Drive Market Trends
The number of mobile number portability cases increased last month. Among the three major telecom operators, SK Telecom saw the largest net increase.
According to the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KTOA) on June 1, the total number of mobile number portability cases in May was 584,205, a slight increase of 17,629 cases (3.1%) from the previous month.
All three major telecom operators gained subscribers, with SK Telecom recording the highest net increase of 7,224, attracting the most users. LG Uplus followed with a net increase of 2,538, and KT posted a net increase of 1,449.
In contrast to the three major telecom operators, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) lost subscribers. The number of users switching from the three major telecom operators to MVNOs last month was 65,900, but the number moving from MVNOs to the three major operators reached 77,111.
MVNOs recorded a net decrease of 11,211 in the number portability market. SK Telecom absorbed much of the demand leaving MVNOs, bringing in 38,852 cases from MVNOs.
The telecommunications industry believes that, with May being Family Month, demand for handset replacements increased. In addition, a significant increase in subsidies for the Samsung Electronics Galaxy S26 also influenced the number portability market.
It is believed that consumers switched telecom operators as the base price of the Galaxy S26 series was lowered due to increased official subsidies, and additional subsidies were offered through online retailers and some so-called “hot spot” stores.
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An industry official said, "With the abolition of the handset distribution law, there is no longer a cap on subsidies, and the three major telecom operators are actively working to regain lost subscribers." He added, "The competition over Galaxy S26 subsidies appears to have led to a rebound in number portability last month."
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