South Korean consumers won’t likely have the long-term evolution (LTE) network version of Samsung Electronics Co.’s new premium smartphone Galaxy Note 10 any time soon despite high demand.

Min Won-ki, second vice minister of science and ICT, said on Monday that the Korean government has suggested Samsung Electronics to launch the LTE version of its Galaxy Note 10 “as it is advisable for consumers to have [wider] options.”

The government’s move comes after the country’s three mobile carriers – SK Telecom Co., KT Corp., and LG Uplus Corp. – have asked the world’s largest smartphone maker to roll out the LTE network version of its premium flagship Galaxy Note 10 that will be release in fifth-generation (5G) version only in Korea.

But Samsung Electronics will launch the Galaxy Note 10 in two models – LTE and 5G – in overseas markets upon its official launch on August 23. The move stirred controversy that it restricts customer options in Korea as 5G network has not been properly serviced yet in the country.

But it is highly unlikely for Samsung Electronics to add the LTE model of its flagship Galaxy Note 10 at home because the 5G model generates higher profits.

Sources from the mobile communication industry also noted that even if Samsung Electronics decides to launch the LTE model in Korea, it would take time for the actual release of the device as it needs to go through additional development and test procedures.

They also noted that the LTE version of the Galaxy Note 10, which has received overwhelming pre-orders compared to its predecessor, could carnivalize the 5G model’s sales, a factor pulling back Samsung Electronics even more from introducing its new premium phone in an additional network.

By Shin Chan-ok and Lee Eun-joo

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]