Starting Tomorrow, LTE Subscriptions Available on 5G Devices... 5G Coverage Maps Also Enhanced

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] From now on, it will be officially possible to newly subscribe to LTE service with 5G unlocked devices. Until now, only the USIM swap method, which involves removing the used LTE USIM and using it as is, was possible.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 20th, the three mobile carriers reported changes to their terms and conditions on the 21st after discussions by the Telecommunications Service System Improvement Advisory Committee, which includes consumer groups, operators, and experts. SK Telecom and KT will enable activation from the 21st, and LG Uplus will enable it from the 28th due to system work.

This is in response to recent trends of expanding unlocked devices and calls from consumer groups and the National Assembly for measures allowing LTE service subscription with 5G unlocked devices, as well as the need to supplement explanations about 5G coverage. If services are provided differently from the terms and conditions, it will constitute a prohibited act under Article 50 of the Telecommunications Business Act and be subject to sanctions by the Korea Communications Commission, the post-regulatory agency.

The Ministry of Science and ICT also decided to strengthen measures to notify key information including 5G coverage at frontline distribution channels such as agencies and retailers when applying for 5G subscription. In addition to the essential subscriber consent, ▲ detailed guidance on 5G available areas and facilities ▲ the fact that due to frequency characteristics, there may be significant shadow zones indoors and underground for a considerable period ▲ and that the service is provided on the 3.5GHz frequency band will be more thoroughly communicated.

Furthermore, regarding the difference in subsidies (penalties) that may occur when changing plans from 5G to LTE, etc., after receiving subsidies from carriers, each company’s settlement program will be formally reflected in the terms and conditions to resolve uncertainties. Generally, if a plan is changed after six months of receiving subsidies, all or part of the penalty is waived. If a subscriber joined with a 25% discount on the fee instead of a subsidy, no settlement issues arise. Carriers have been criticized for increasing uncertainty by operating these important usage conditions as additional services according to their own policies instead of including them in the terms and conditions.

Professor Minsoo Shin of Hanyang University, chairman of the Telecommunications Service System Improvement Advisory Committee, said, “This is a good example of voluntary improvement of consumer inconvenience cases by leading mediation between consumers and carriers through cooperation between the private committee and the government.”

Jiyeon Jeong, Secretary General of the Korea Consumer Federation and a member of the committee, said, “We welcome the partial improvements made in respect of consumer groups’ opinions, such as the possibility of new LTE subscriptions with 5G unlocked devices amid the increasing trend of unlocked devices, and the improvement of uncertainties regarding subsidy difference settlements (penalties) when moving from 5G to LTE midway.” She added, “We plan to strengthen consumer protection efforts in the telecommunications service sector through continuous feedback on consumer inconveniences and necessary improvements, as well as consultations among operators and the government.”

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to continue efforts to harmonize industry revitalization and user benefits by continuously communicating and cooperating with consumer groups and the industry through the System Improvement Advisory Committee and others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.