Phone Prices Rise in Four Border Provinces After July 13 Directive

The source said on August 10 that instructions to increase phone prices were issued on July 13 to post and service offices in the four provinces, with the new prices taking effect immediately. The 'Samtaesong-8', known as the latest model, rose from 6,500 yuan to 7,000 yuan (about 1.52 million won), while the popular 'Madusan-222' increased from 3,500 yuan to 4,000 yuan (about 870,000 won). The uniform application of the price hike across all four border provinces suggests a central-level decision rather than a local one, the source said.

Local residents speculate the increase stems from a sharp rise in exchange rates and higher import costs due to parts supply difficulties, while others suspect the state is artificially inflating prices of high-value goods to absorb foreign currency held by residents. The exact reason for the simultaneous price hikes has not been provided.