Controversy Over Communication Fee Support Continues... Calls for 'Free Wi-Fi Expansion'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] As the ruling party and government plan to provide 20,000 KRW in communication subsidies to all citizens aged 13 and older in the 4th supplementary budget (추경), a heated debate over the effectiveness of this measure is ongoing in the political sphere.

Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, stated on his Facebook on the 13th, "Let's invest the supplementary budget for the 20,000 KRW communication subsidy in expanding free Wi-Fi networks." He suggested investing the 900 billion KRW budget allocated for the 20,000 KRW communication subsidy into a nationwide free Wi-Fi expansion project.

He explained, "Since communication costs have become a considerable burden for citizens struggling due to COVID-19, the purpose of this project is to somehow alleviate that burden," adding, "However, if the opposition party strongly opposes this and some citizens express critical opinions, wouldn't it be worth considering alternative measures that can achieve the policy goal of 'reducing communication cost burdens'?"

he added.

He further emphasized, "Instead of providing a one-time communication subsidy with the 900 billion KRW budget, if free Wi-Fi networks are significantly expanded in public places including schools, public transportation such as buses, and senior centers frequently visited by the elderly, it would greatly help citizens reduce their communication expenses."

Earlier, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, also said, "It is regrettable because it is difficult to expect an effect of increasing sales for small business owners or neighborhood shops," and added, "Since the communication subsidy goes directly to the telecom companies, there is no multiplier effect."

Meanwhile, the government plans to create detailed project plans after reviewing the 4th supplementary budget. A government official stated, "Since some projects may be adjusted during the supplementary budget review process, the exact details will be known after approval."

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