KT’s cellphone market share grew in March

KT Freetel Co., Korea’s second-largest mobile phone operator, gained market share from SK Telecom Co. and LG Telecom Ltd. last month, following rule changes that let customers switch services without changing phone numbers. KT Freetel’s market share rose for a third month, climbing to 32.5 percent in March from 32.4 percent a month earlier, based on figures from the nation’s three operators. Industry leader SK Telecom’s market share fell for a second month, dropping to 51.2 percent from 51.3 percent. LG Telecom, the smallest mobile phone operator, saw its market share drop for a third month, falling to 16.3 percent from 16.4 percent in February. LG Telecom customers have been allowed since January to switch services offered by SK Telecom or KT Freetel and keep their phone numbers. SK Telecom customers have been allowed to switch since January 2004 and KT customers since July.