STAGE FIVE

About STAGE FIVE

Founded in 2015 by CEO Seo Sang-won, Stage Five is a South Korean telecommunications company aiming to simplify complex communication services. The firm operates as a communication and network distribution platform, with a significant milestone being its selection to become the country's fourth mobile carrier through its Stage X consortium. This was the result of winning a bid for the 5G 28 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum, a significant development in a market traditionally dominated by three major players.

Stage Five's business model is centered on being a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means it resells wireless devices and services at competitive prices by partnering with existing mobile carriers rather than owning its own network infrastructure. The company generates revenue through the sale of 5G network plans, devices, and related services. In 2019, it released the Stage 5G smartphone, a device manufactured by ZTE and pre-loaded with a suite of Kakao apps, reflecting its relationship with investor Kakao Investment. The company serves both individual consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B).

One of the company's key offerings is its branded communications platform, 'Pinplay' (also referred to as 'pindirect'), which facilitates the sale of E-SIM and USIM data plans. A key feature of this platform is an AI-powered activation system, developed using Kakao Enterprise's AI engine, which streamlines the historically cumbersome process of activating new mobile services. This system, accessible via a KakaoTalk-based chatbot, automates procedures like number portability pre-approval and corrections to application forms, significantly improving the customer experience. Stage Five has received backing from investors including Kakao Investment, Shinhan Venture Investment, Yanolja, and BDC Labs.