April 25, 2024

• 

[THE INVESTOR] The number of mobile phone subscribers of KT, the nation’s second-largest mobile carrier, fell after a fire at one of its building in western Seoul led to major internet and phone disruptions around the area, data showed on Nov. 27.

The fire broke out at the building in western Seoul on Nov. 24, paralyzing the fixed-line, mobile and internet networks for individuals and businesses using KT in Seoul’s western wards of Mapo, Seodaemun and Eunpyeong, as well as some parts of Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul.

According to the data by the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association, the number of KT subscribers decreased by 828 on Nov. 24 compared with a day earlier. The number of people subscribing to KT’s rivals -- SK Telecom and LG Uplus -- increased by 246 and 582,  respectively.

The network disruption brought convenience stores, coffee shops and restaurants in the areas to a virtual shutdown for the day as it blocked credit payment systems, and they had to turn down customers or take cash only.

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)