Major South Korean telecom providers SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus aggressively subsidize new kids’ phones ahead of the new school semester, wh discounts reaching as high as 450,000 won in select sales channels.
Record Subsidies Drive Sales
Industry inquiries reveal that these three carriers lead in kids’ phone subsidy offerings. Discounts vary by region and store, ranging from a minimum of 30,000 won to a maximum of 450,000 won. Carriers effectively provide upfront cash equivalents to buyers opting for premium flagship models, securing long-term customer loyalty through device lock-in.
Model-Specific Discounts
For instance, purchasing LG Uplus’s Kizuphone ‘Moonner Edion 2’ yields a 450,000 won subsidy upon contract signing. At a flagship store in Busan, SK Telecom’s Kizuphone ZEM Phone Pocket Face offers 280,000 won back, while KT’s Pom Pom Pureen Kids Phone provides 210,000 won.
Challenges and Strategic Push
Kids’ phones typically see low adoption rates due to high per-device insurance premiums. Shared family plans migate these costs somewhat. However, carriers view the new semester as a prime opportuny, rolling out special promotions on fresh models post the latest iPhone and foldable phone launches to capture heightened demand.
An industry official noted, “Demand for kids’ phones peaks during the March new semester, the highest in a year.” The official added, “Even amid the telecoms’ most intense marketing competion for kids’ phones, advance sales surge due to this seasonal factor.”
