KT Opens Fire Ahead of September eSIM Launch... SKT and LGU+ Take Conservative Approach

KT Takes the First Step Among the Three Major Telecoms
Launches Dual SIM-Only Plan
Actor Park Eun-bin Stars in Ad Campaign

Conditions Applied to Prevent Existing Customer Churn
SKT and LGU+ Take Conservative Approach
MVNO Industry Also Preparing Behind the Scenes

KT 'Enjoy the Galaxy Z Flip 4 with KT Dual Number!' Advertisement Video Screenshot. Photo by KT Official YouTube Channel

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As the government-led domestic eSIM system is set to be introduced on September 1, KT, among the three major telecom operators, has taken the lead by launching a dual SIM-exclusive plan that offers 1GB of data. SK Telecom and LG Uplus are also planning to introduce similar dedicated plans in early September. MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) providers, anticipating market growth, are expected to engage in aggressive marketing in the era of one phone with two numbers.

According to industry sources on the 30th, KT will launch a monthly subscription plan called 'Dual Number' priced at 8,800 KRW starting next month, coinciding with the introduction of the domestic eSIM system. This dual SIM-exclusive plan allows the simultaneous use of a physical SIM and an eSIM, providing 1GB of data, with speeds capped at 400Kbps after data is exhausted. KT also released a 'KT Dual Number' advertisement featuring Park Eun-bin, the actress from the recently concluded drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."

KT requires that the main line be designated as a 5G or LTE plan under the same name, and the service can only be used on dual SIM-supported devices that match the main line. Additionally, data-only plans or youth plans based on Al (artificial intelligence) cannot be used as the main line. From KT’s perspective, this is a strategic move to retain existing customers while offering a relatively affordable price.

Before the launch of the eSIM service, there was a two-number add-on service that allowed the use of one additional virtual number, but it was inconvenient. Users could only add lines as an add-on service within the same telecom company and had to dial a specific number before making calls. It was also impossible to perform identity verification, which is essential for services such as banking, making it difficult to use the numbers completely separately from the existing one.

While KT has taken the lead in targeting users with one phone and two numbers, SK Telecom and LG Uplus are expected to observe market reactions first before launching related services. Although it was anticipated that product lineups would be revealed by August, the launch is now expected to be postponed until after September. The market expects their plans to be similar to KT’s. Since the impact of the eSIM service on mobile network operators (MNOs) is not yet clear, a conservative approach is anticipated.

The MVNO industry, considered the biggest beneficiary, is preparing products in anticipation of the eSIM market opening. Among MVNO providers, T Plus is the only one currently offering eSIM services, providing about 15 types of eSIM products. Other providers are either waiting for the three major telecom operators to build their network systems or are developing their own systems. An MVNO industry official said, "Some are aggressively preparing products in advance, while others plan to respond by monitoring market trends," adding, "There should be no technical issues."