LG U+ IoT

South Korea's second-largest mobile operator from 2024, ahead of KT

Overview of LG U+

LG U+ (LG Uplus) is a major mobile operator in South Korea, part of the LG Group. In 2024, LG U+ reached 21.7 million users, surpassing KT to become Korea's second-largest mobile operator (market share 23.2%), second only to SK Telecom's 31.16 million (33.4%). LG U+ maintained strong growth in the 5G era, leading in net increase in number portability in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating outstanding user acquisition capabilities.

In the IoT field, LG U+ leverages Korea's leading 5G network coverage to provide IoT connectivity, dedicated APNs, and vehicle networking solutions for South Korea and multinational enterprises. Its 5G network quality and coverage are competitive in the Korean market.

LG U+ Basic Information

  • Founded: 1996 (originally LG Telecom)
  • Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
  • Parent Company: LG Group
  • Mobile Users: approximately 21.7 million (end of 2024)
  • Market Share: 23.2% (second largest in South Korea)
  • 2024: Surpasses KT to become South Korea's second-largest carrier
  • Mobile number portability: Net increase in Q1 2024 leads the market
  • Market position: South Korea's second-largest mobile carrier
  • Network Standards: 4G LTE, 5G NR, NB-IoT

Development History and Milestones

LG U+ was formerly LG Telecom, established in 1996 as South Korea's third mobile carrier. Expanded 2G and 3G networks in the 2000s. Launched 4G LTE in the 2010s. Participated in South Korea's first commercial 5G launch in 2019. Renamed LG U+ in 2020. In 2024, LG U+ had 21.7 million users, surpassing KT (20.62 million) to become South Korea's second-largest mobile carrier, with a market share of 23.2%. In the first quarter of 2024, LG U+ led net additions in the mobile number portability market, showing strong user acquisition capabilities.

Core Technical Capabilities

5G Leadership

One of South Korea's first commercial 5G operators, 5G coverage nationwide

User growth

Surpassed KT in 2024, 21.7 million users, market share 23.2%

Connected Vehicles

Cooperation with LG Group, connected car and autonomous driving support

Integrated services

Mobile + IPTV + broadband, end-to-end IoT and smart home

Network standards and coverage

Technical Standard Coverage Use Cases Development Status
4G LTE Nationwide in South Korea Mainstream IoT connectivity Primary network
5G NR Nationwide in South Korea High-speed IoT, industrial applications Continuous expansion
NB-IoT Major Regional Deployment Smart metering, sensors Commercial deployment
Fixed Broadband Nationwide Fixed IoT, Smart Home Converged Services

Industry Solutions

Smart city

  • Intelligent Traffic Management
  • Public lighting control
  • Environmental Monitoring Sensors
  • Smart parking system

Connected Vehicles

  • Fleet Management
  • In-vehicle infotainment
  • eCall emergency call
  • V2X Communication

Industrial Manufacturing

  • 5G factory private network
  • Remote equipment monitoring
  • Predictive Maintenance
  • Asset tracking and positioning

Smart Home

  • Smart home connectivity
  • IPTV integration
  • Security monitoring
  • Energy management

Competitive Advantages

  • Market Position: Surpassed KT in 2024, the second-largest operator in South Korea with 21.7 million users
  • 5G Leadership: One of South Korea's first commercial 5G operators
  • User Growth: Leading net increase in number portability in Q1 2024
  • LG Ecosystem: Collaboration with LG Group's home appliances, automotive, and other industries
  • Integrated services: Mobile + IPTV + Broadband, end-to-end IoT

Service Support System

Enterprise services

  • Dedicated Enterprise Account Manager
  • IoT Solution Consulting
  • Dedicated APN Configuration
  • SLA Guarantee Agreement

Platform Capabilities

  • Connection management platform
  • SIM Lifecycle Management
  • Traffic Monitoring and Alerts
  • API Integration

Compliance and Security

  • South Korea data compliance
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection
  • Data Sovereignty Assurance
  • Industry Certification Support

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