Assemblyman Yongbin Lee: "Compensation for 5G Dead Zones and Reduction of Communication Fees Needed"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Rep. Lee Yong-bin (Democratic Party of Korea, Gwangju Gwangsan Gap) stated on the 22nd, “Compensation standards should be established and compensation provided for 5G dead zones, and 5G communication fees should also be reduced to reasonable prices.”

On the 7th, officials from the three major telecom companies who appeared as witnesses at the National Assembly audit had previously responded that they would lower the fees.

Rep. Lee said, “There have been many criticisms that the Ministry of Science and ICT has been passive regarding mobile communication fees while implementing the fee approval system,” and added, “Telecom companies have refused to disclose cost data for communication fees, claiming they could not calculate the fees, but through this National Assembly audit, it was revealed that they have been making excessive profits.”

Recently, the Korea Consumer Agency’s Autonomous Dispute Mediation Committee issued a mediation order requiring all applicants to be paid settlement amounts ranging from 50,000 to 350,000 KRW, recognizing the negligence in the obligation to notify important information that 5G communication service shadow areas could occur, based on the review of the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice’s dispute mediation application related to 5G call quality.

Rep. Lee stated, “In cities and counties excluding the metropolitan area and large cities, it was almost impossible to even mention the name 5G,” and added, “It is unreasonable to sell 5G devices and charge 5G fees in areas where there are no 5G base stations at all.”

He continued, “Telecom companies should first present detailed information on the installation status of base stations by region on their websites, and all agencies should explain the installation status of 5G base stations and call quality situations when selling,” and emphasized, “Depending on the installation status and coverage level of 5G base stations, they must actively negotiate refund measures for existing 5G device users and the 5G fee system, and promptly create alternatives at a level acceptable to the public.”

He also demanded, “Regarding the 28GHz band network construction obligation originally assigned during the 5G frequency allocation, measures should be prepared on whether to build the 28GHz band network or revise the plan.”