Technology South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

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Content source

https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/10/south_korea_data_access_universal/

Universal basic income is an idea that hasn’t gained much traction, but South Korea on Thursday implemented a universal basic mobile data access scheme.

The nation’s Ministry of Science announced the plan yesterday with a statement and a rather more interesting giant infographic that both explain the scheme will provide over seven million subscribers with unlimited downloads at just 400 kbps after their data allowances expire. South Korea’s dominant carriers, SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, have agreed to the plan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon said the scheme is needed because citizens can’t do without access to online services, and also because South Korea’s telcos need to re-earn their social licenses after recent security lapses that saw shoddy security practices at SK Telecom lead to a massive leak, a 3TB dark web data drama at LG Uplus, and woeful femtocell security at KT – which may also have distributed malware to its customers.

"We have now reached a critical juncture where we must move beyond mere pledges not to repeat past mistakes,” the deputy PM said. “Instead, we must respond with a level of innovation and contribution – a complete transformation – that the public can tangibly perceive."

"It is crucial to contribute to public welfare – such as by guaranteeing basic telecommunications rights for all citizens – while actively investing to lead the way toward a future defined by an AI-driven society,” he added.

South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

: Everyone gets unlimited 400 Kbps access, oldies get expanded caps, and leaky telcos get their social license back

www.theregister.com

 

[Halp2001]

Thanks for sharing this very interesting news.

What it means for people: no one is left without a connection, even if it’s limited.

What it means for companies: a way to restore their reputation after recent security scandals. (SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus faced serious issues such as data leaks and system flaws that could spread malware).

What it means for the country: a step toward recognizing digital access as a basic right, aligned with its vision of a future driven by artificial intelligence.

A step forward in connectivity, but also a reminder that security must keep pace.

 

[Sorrento]

Life today must be difficult without a half decent internet connection, my life is interconnected with the net which at times I feel is all eggs in one basket but there it is, an interesting link from @Miravi ...

 

[Marko :)]

After using all of data from the plan I use, my mobile network just throttles speed to 64 kb/s (DL/UL). Loading websites might not work, but e-mails as well as messages (WhatsApp & RCS) still work well. Though the plan also includes unlimited calls and texts. Now... I haven't saw the offers of other networks (because I'm satisfied with the one I use), but I think it's the only one doing throttling whereas other just either start charging for exceeding data plan or just block internet access entirely.
At least they did this before.

The only downside is they are still experimenting with VoLTE and VoWiFi. They can enable these for you, but they work only on a limited number of devices because of something with the phone profiles on their end... I don't know.