Mobile subscribers in N. Korea growing at faster clip

SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Yonhap) -- The number of mobile subscribers in North Korea is
growing at a faster clip, reaching an estimated 100,000 as of the end of
September, the Voice of America reported Saturday.

The figures were taken from data released by EFG-Hermes, an Egyptian investment
bank, the report said.
According to the data, the number of North Korean mobile subscribers more than
doubled from 48,000 at the end of June, it said.
Naeem Holding, another Egyptian investment bank, predicted that the number of
mobile subscribers will increase to 123,000 at the end of this year, followed by
310,000 at the end of 2010 and 568,000 in late 2011, the report said.
Egypt-based mobile operator Orascom Telecom launched mobile services in North
Korea in December of last year and has since reported brisk sales.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
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