April 20, 2024

• 

Since launching Long-Term Evolution services, the telecoms operator’s market share in the mobile sector has declined even after passing the 50 percent mark in 2014, according to analyst Kim Hyeon-yong. 

Consequently, its operating profit has been declining since the fourth quarter of 2014. This year, however, it will rise 8.6 percent on-year to 1.67 trillion won boosted by the cost-cutting at its loss-making subsidiaries, said the analyst. 

SK Telecom has been the most aggressive in investing in future businesses among the three telecoms companies, but will take a strategic turn to balance growth to be profitable this year, noted Kim, estimating that its operating profit in the first quarter will reach 415 billion won.

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)