April 20, 2024

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The number of 5G subscribers in South Korea surpassed the two million mark four months after the commercial launch of the ultrafast network, industry data showed on Aug. 8.

Users of 5G mobile plans by three carriers -- SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus -- reached 2.01 million on Aug. 5, topping the threshold after exceeding 1 million in two months of the service, the data showed.

The growth pace was faster than the expansion of LTE, first launched in 2011, and far exceeded market expectations. Industry officials and analysts earlier anticipated 5G subscribers to reach 2 million around the end of the year.

The upward momentum is expected to continue in the latter half as more 5G phones will be available in the coming months.

Samsung Electronics will launch the Galaxy Note 10 later this month and Galaxy Fold in late September, which will be only available in 5G models in the domestic market.

LG Electronics also plans to unveil its new flagship smartphone with a dual display and 5G connectivity next month to expand its 5G lineup.

So far, SK Telecom has maintained its lead in the 5G market with 840,000 subscribers, followed by KT with 630,000 and LG Uplus with 540,000, data showed.

By Ram Garikipati and newswires (ram@heraldcorp.com)