Broadcasting Commission: "10x Compensation for 2-Hour Communication Service Interruption"

Compensation Standard Time Reduced from 3 to 2 Hours, Standard Amount Increased from 6 to 10 Times
Automatic Next Month Fee Refund Clarified Without User Claim

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] If high-speed internet and mobile phone services are interrupted for more than 2 hours, users can receive compensation amounting to 10 times the fee for the downtime.

The Korea Communications Commission announced on the 24th that it will improve the terms and conditions of major telecommunications companies (SKT, SKB, KT, LGU+) to include this provision. This measure aims to ensure effective relief for users following a series of recent service outages.

The criteria for compensation time will be shortened and the amount increased. If high-speed internet or mobile phone services are interrupted continuously for more than 2 hours, users can claim compensation equal to 10 times the fee for the downtime. The KCC explained that this decision was made after comprehensively considering factors such as the advancement of communication networks, the introduction of smartphones, changes in communication service usage patterns, the time required for service restoration, compliance with the Telecommunications Business Act, and domestic and international cases. Additionally, the standard compensation amount has been significantly increased to provide broader relief for users affected by service interruptions. Previously, compensation was stipulated as 6 times the service fee for high-speed internet and 8 times for mobile phone services if the service was interrupted continuously for 3 hours (6 hours cumulatively per month) or more.

Furthermore, if communication services are interrupted, refunds will be automatically issued the following month without the user’s application. Unlike compensation claims, which require users to apply directly, refunds must be returned (or discounted) based on the prorated monthly fee according to the number of days the service was interrupted. However, this was not clearly defined. The KCC has mandated that the terms and conditions explicitly state that refunds will be "automatically issued the following month."

Information on service interruptions and compensation will also be strengthened through telecommunications companies’ websites and customer center apps.

The KCC stated that the revision of terms and conditions will be implemented in July after major telecommunications companies complete the Ministry of Science and ICT notification process and improve their IT systems by operator. The website updates are scheduled for August.

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