Will mobile virtual network operators succeed in Korea?

Purpose: This study aims to analyze how the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) market in Korea will evolve, the opportunities and/or threats of network operators and how the MVNO market will be forged in the future. Design/methodology/approach: This study provides competitive analysis, market evaluation and current regulatory assessment of the Korean MVNO marketplace. Findings: While there are many positive prospects of MVNO in Korea, a series of complicated techno-economic issues arise. Practical implications: The current development of MVNO sheds light on the growing challenges of the dynamics of industry, regulation and technology. Social implications: While MVNOs continue to flourish in some markets, their diffusion in other regions is often very limited and continues to drastically decrease. Originality/value: The results suggest a sustainable ecosystem of MVNO and propose an appropriate policy to promote MVNO diffusion.