"South Korea Telecommunications Report Q4 2013" is now available at Fast Market Research

South Korea is one of the most advanced markets in the world and is often used as a reference point to determine the direction of other developed markets. The rapid migration of subscribers from 3G to LTE shows the country to be at the forefront of adopting new technologies. The number of LTE subscriptions passed 22mn by the end of June 2013, and may even outnumber 3G by the end of 2013. There is a dwindling population still using 2G services but we expect this to end by 2015. This has perhaps caused a slowdown of fixed broadband connections, while growth in VoIP is mitigating the loss of PTSN fixed voice connections. With plans to launch LTE Advanced in September 2013, the South Korean market shows just how much demand for data is driving revenues.

Key Data

* The mobile market has continued to expand, even with penetration above 111% by June 2013. Total subscriptions reached 55.015mn in Q213, with net additions of 251,000 quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q).
* The fixed-line market is still expanding, mostly due to the growth of VoIP but it is slowing noticeably. Growth in the broadband market has slowed due to a combination of high penetration of wireline services and the competition from LTE services.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/712793_south_korea_telecommunications_report_q4_2013.aspx?afid=303

Key Developments

Following the auction of 1,800MHz spectrum for the use of LTE services, all three operators announced planned extensions of their respective services. KT announced it would be implementing LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) in the capital Seoul and the surrounding regions from September 2013, and throughout most major cities by March 2014. KT is trailing its rivals, with SK Telecom having launched LTE-A services for smartphones in July 2013, and it plans to roll out the service to 84 cities nationwide. Finally, LG U+ launched its LTE-Advanced network in July 2013 in the capital Seoul, as well as in other major cities.

South Korea's telecoms market could receive an injection of foreign investment following the decision by the government to lift the foreign ownership cap on the telecoms sector in the country. However, the raised cap will not apply to the nation's three incumbent mobile operators, leaving question marks around whether investors will see potential in a mature market where they cannot invest in dominant providers. Foreign investors will be required to set up an investment vehicle in South Korea to own a stake in the telecoms firm.

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