SK Telecom (017670.KS) will launch an integrated mobile plan that streamlines its LTE and 5G tariffs. The announcement, following a similar move by LG Uplus the previous day, signals that Korea's telecom industry is actively aligning with the government's drive to guarantee basic communication rights.
"We are restructuring our plan system so that customers can enjoy customized benefits simply by choosing a plan, without worrying about data," SK Telecom said Thursday.
The carrier will roll out new "Best" and "Lite" plans on July 2, consolidating its 5G and LTE tariff structures into a single system. The lineup consists of five "Best" plans offering unlimited data and 11 "Lite" plans providing tiered data allowances ranging from 6GB to 250GB. With the launch of the new plans, sign-ups for the existing 67 5G and LTE plans will be discontinued, although current subscribers can continue using their plans.
Subscribers to the new plans will automatically receive additional benefits that previously required enrollment in separate age-specific plans. Whereas customers had to seek out benefits and switch plans on their own, food and beverage discount coupons and roaming discount vouchers will now be automatically renewed by age group.
Starting in July, the safety data feature will also be extended to all LTE plans that previously did not provide QoS. QoS refers to a service that allows continued use at reduced speeds even after the basic data allowance has been exhausted.
Family bundle benefits are also being revamped. The previous requirement to combine at least one mobile line with one internet line will be changed, allowing customers to sign up online by bundling mobile lines alone. "Through this restructuring of the tariff system, we hope customers can use telecom services more easily and comfortably," said Yoon Jae-woong, head of SK Telecom's Product & Brand Division. "We will continue to supplement and improve our service system to enhance customer convenience."
Earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) consulted with the country's three mobile carriers on guaranteeing basic communication rights, announcing plans for the full introduction of QoS, expanded voice and text services for the elderly, and the launch of integrated plans including options in the 20,000-won range. Following LG Uplus and SK Telecom, KT also plans to launch its integrated plan in the second half of the year.
