Mobile phone users will be banned from switching service providers for three months after signing on as new subscribers. The Korea Communications Commission, which earlier rejected a similar proposal from the country's three major mobile phone service operators, will halt transfers between companies to curb heated market competition.

The measure aims to crack down on people who acquire new handset models at knockdown prices by switching services and then making a profit on the second-hand market. Exceptions will be made for people who lose their phones or experience handset malfunction.