SK Telecom’s share slips on number portability

SK Telecom Co., the nation’s largest mobile phone operator, lost market share to its smaller rivals for a fourth straight month in May, following rule changes that let customers switch services without changing phone numbers. SK’s market share fell to 51.16 percent in May from 51.19 percent in April, based on figures announced yesterday from the nation’s three operators. KT Freetel Co.’s share climbed to 32.37 percent last month from 32.36 percent in April, it said in a regulatory filing. LG Telecom Ltd.’s market share increased for a second month, rising to 16.47 percent in May from 16.45 percent in April, spokesman Cho Sung-ho said. Customers of LG Telecom have been allowed since January to switch services offered by SK Telecom or KT Freetel and keep existing phone numbers. SK customers have been allowed to switch since January 2004, KT Freetel subscribers since July of 2004.