A Study on the Concept and Evaluation Criteria of Competitiveness in the Telecommunications Industry in the Era of Digital Transformation

The domestic telecommunications industry is analyzed to have reached its growth limits. In addition, deteriorating profitability is emerging as a major challenge due to the continuous reduction of mobile phone rates and the uncertain profitability of 5G services. In addition, deteriorating profitability due to the continuous reduction of mobile communication fees and uncertain profitability of 5G services is emerging as a major challenge. In this situation, the three domestic mobile operators are demanding investment in new industries such as AI to strengthen their competitiveness. In order to comprehensively analyze the competitiveness of the global telecommunications industry, this study compared and analyzed the telecommunications industries of major countries using the hierarchy analysis (AHP) technique, focusing on five evaluation factors: growth potential, technology (quality), profitability, productivity, and stability. The results showed that Korea is strong in technology and stability, but relatively weak in profitability and productivity. This study developed a comprehensive competitiveness evaluation framework based on reliable quantitative data from Korea and abroad to objectively evaluate the competitiveness of the global telecommunications industry and seek appropriate policy directions to improve competitiveness.