[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SK Telecom lost more than 160,000 subscribers over a 10-day period after temporarily waiving early termination fees in the wake of a major cybersecurity breach.



According to industry sources on July 14, a total of 166,000 users ported their numbers to rival carriers between July 5 and 14, when the waiver policy was in effect. On the final day alone, 42,027 subscribers left the company, with 21,593 switching to KT and 20,434 to LG Uplus.



Throughout the 10-day period (excluding Sundays), SK Telecom saw daily outflows ranging from 10,660 to 42,027. Even when accounting for new incoming subscribers from other carriers, the company recorded a net loss of 79,171 subscribers.



Since the data breach incident in April, more than 835,000 customers have left SK Telecom, resulting in a net decline of over 600,000 in its subscriber base.



Industry analysts expect heightened competition among South Korea’s three major telecom providers in the coming weeks, driven by the upcoming launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 (pre-orders start July 15) and the anticipated repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act (“단통법”) on July 22. This is likely to fuel a new round of aggressive marketing and subsidy battles aimed at attracting customers.

 

 

 

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