South Korean mobile phone users consider data services to be worth more than twice the value of traditional voice calls and text messages combined. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean mobile phone users consider data services to be worth more than twice the value of traditional voice calls and text messages combined, according to a comprehensive survey released on March 5. The study also revealed that most users find smartphone purchase costs more burdensome than monthly service fees.
The survey, conducted by telecommunications research firm Consumer Insight, polled 33,242 mobile phone users aged 14 and older about their perceptions of telecommunications costs and services.
A striking 57% of respondents indicated that device costs were more burdensome than service fees, outweighing the 43% who found monthly charges more expensive. The gap was even more pronounced among customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), with 65% citing device costs as their primary concern, compared to 55% among customers of the three major carriers.
“Smartphone prices have risen more sharply than service fees in recent years,” Consumer Insight analysts noted. “Whether paid in installments added to monthly bills or as an upfront purchase, the higher device costs create a significant financial burden for consumers.”
The survey revealed that consumers attribute 52% of their perceived value in mobile services to data usage, while traditional voice calls and text messages account for only 27%. The remaining 21% was allocated to various non-telecommunications services. These additional services include membership benefits such as convenience store and movie theater discounts, which account for 7.1% of perceived value, followed by data sharing and additional data options like tethering and refills at 5.2%. Streaming and music subscription services represent 3.6% of the value, while customer service accounts for 2%.
“The value consumers place on non-telecommunications services nearly matches that of traditional voice and text services,” the research firm reported. “This reflects a shift in consumer perception toward viewing mobile expenses as part of their overall digital lifestyle costs rather than just communication charges.”
Consumer Insight emphasized that the findings suggest a need to reconsider how telecommunications services and fees are viewed, as they increasingly encompass the broader mobile lifestyle experience rather than just basic communication services.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
