Used Phone Stores Also Sell Affordable Phone Plans Together

On the 27th, 'Altteul Phone Square' Opens Near Seodaemun Station

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It will soon be possible to sign up for both used phones and affordable phone plans at once.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will promote follow-up measures for the activation of affordable phones, including linked sales with Junggonara and the opening of Affordable Phone Square.

The Ministry of Science and ICT will support linked sales of used phones and affordable phone plans in cooperation with Junggonara. At the 60 Junggonara Mobile offline franchise stores nationwide owned by Junggonara, affordable phone SIM cards will be sold alongside like at convenience stores. By the end of the year, it will be possible to purchase affordable phone SIM cards together with used phones.

On the same day, the Ministry opened the Affordable Phone Promotion Center "Affordable Phone Square" near Seodaemun Station in Seoul, where visitors can get information about affordable phone products and purchase SIM cards. Affordable Phone Square is a space where customers can learn about affordable phones, find customized plans, and subscribe to desired products. Visitors can also experience Samsung and LG Electronics smartphones, and IoT devices and VR content are available.

The government is driving the activation of affordable phones to reduce household communication expenses. Recently, consumers seeking to save on communication costs have been increasing by purchasing unlocked phones and subscribing to affordable phones instead of 5G plans, which have insufficient service. As of September, the net increase in subscribers switching from the three major mobile carriers to affordable phones was 12,433, the highest this year, marking four consecutive months of growth.

The Ministry of Science and ICT decided to extend the radio usage fee reduction period by two years so that affordable phone operators can create low-cost plans without bearing cost burdens. To preserve the purpose of affordable phones, radio usage fees will be charged at 20% in 2021, 50% in 2022, and 100% in 2023 to operators other than small and medium-sized enterprises. The Ministry plans to announce the enforcement decree of the Radio Act for public comment on the 28th and revise it within the year.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Going forward, the Ministry will continue to promote measures to activate affordable phones to help reduce communication expenses and contribute to household stability amid the prolonged difficulties caused by COVID-19."

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