The number of budget mobile phone subscribers has rebounded this year. According to statistics from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the number of budget mobile phone subscribers was recorded at 9,648,107 in February, an increase of 155,700 from 9.49 million in December last year. This is an increase of 90,091 compared to January, and the market share of budget mobile phones rose to 16.9% in February, an increase of 3.4 percentage points from a year ago.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has set the main goal of this year's telecommunications policy to enhance the competitiveness of budget mobile phones and announced plans to launch a 10,000 won plan that offers 20GB per month among 5G plans. This plan was launched at the end of February, and the announcement of the policy is analyzed to have increased expectations for budget mobile phone usage, contributing to the rise in the number of subscribers.
According to Budget Mobile Phone Hub, there are nine plans available in the 10,000 won range that offer 20GB per month, and these plans do not apply speed limits after data consumption, as Quality of Service (QoS) is not enforced.
In addition, the expansion of the budget mobile phone market by the financial sector has become visible. KB Kookmin Bank has launched a 19,500 won plan using SK Telecom's network, and Woori Bank is also expected to start budget mobile phone services.