S. Korea No. 6 in terms of smartphone penetration

SEOUL, July 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is expected to stand as No. 6 in terms of the number of smartphone users in comparison to its population by the end of this year, data showed Saturday.

According to the data compiled by Strategy Analytics, South Korea's smartphone penetration rate is estimated to reach 77.7 percent this year, hovering above the United States which is expected to post a comparable figure of 75.6 percent.

Hong Kong is expected to stand as the top player with 84.7 percent, trailed by Luxembourg and Norway with 79.8 percent, respectively.

South Korea's science ministry said the number of smartphone subscribers is estimated at 47.4 million, although the figure includes users with more than one account.

Industry watchers said South Korea's latest achievement was made possible by its competitive tech manufacturers and mobile carriers.

colin@yna.co.kr
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