Sequential Shutdown of 2G Service Starting Today... 140,000 Customers to Migrate

LG Uplus to End Service by End of June
Sequence: Gyeongsang, Gangwon, Jeolla Regions to Seoul
Compensation Includes Device Support and Fee Discounts
Some Voices Oppose "01X Integration"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] 'Hello, 019-XXX-XXXX'

LG Uplus announced on the 11th that it will sequentially terminate 2G services starting from some regions such as Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon Province. Approximately 140,000 remaining users, accounting for 0.82% of the total customers, need to switch to LTE or 5G services due to the 2G shutdown. The nostalgic '01X' numbers and ten-digit mobile phone numbers will also disappear.

The company plans to terminate all 2G lines and various additional services by the end of June in the following order: Gyeongsang, Gangwon, Sejong, Jeolla, Jeju, Chungcheong Provinces (June 11?15) → Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Busan, Ulsan Metropolitan Cities (June 16?20) → Gyeonggi Province, Incheon Metropolitan City (June 21?25) → Seoul Special City (June 26?30).

Among mobile carriers, LG Uplus was the only one operating 2G services. KT permanently discontinued its 2G business in 2012, and SK Telecom did so last year. Since all three carriers were initially expected to terminate 2G by 2018, the actual duration of service was longer than anticipated. The Ministry of Science and ICT, the relevant authority, announced on the 25th of last month that it had finally approved LG Uplus's '2G business closure application' with conditions to protect users.

From the carrier’s perspective, maintaining and servicing the 2G network with low consumer usage was a significant burden. The government has also been implementing the '010 number integration policy' since 2002.

As compensation, LG Uplus has proposed device purchase support plans. When selecting LTE or higher services, customers can receive up to 300,000 KRW in device purchase support or choose from 15 free devices. The free devices include Galaxy A21s, LG Folder2, X4 2019, Galaxy A10e, Galaxy Folder2 32G, J3 2017, Galaxy J4+, Kakao Little Friends Phone 3, LG Folder Phone, LG Q31, Kakao Little Friends Phone 2, Galaxy Folder2, Galaxy Folder2 2021, Kakao Little Friends Phone 4, and Galaxy 12.

They also offer support on communication fees. Existing 2G customers can choose between a 10,000 KRW monthly discount for two years or a 70% discount on their usage plan for two years. Additionally, even after 2G ends, customers can continue to use 10 existing 2G plans on LTE. Customers can calculate based on their current plan to select the more advantageous option. For example, for high-priced plans around 70,000 KRW, a discount of 20,000 to 30,000 KRW is available, making that choice beneficial.

A number change notification service that connects calls to the new number will also be provided until the end of this year. A support fund of 50,000 KRW will be given upon cancellation or switching to another carrier.

However, some consumers still oppose the change, insisting on keeping the 01X numbers. The 010 Integration Opposition Movement Headquarters encouraged participation through a notice on their Naver Cafe, stating, "We plan to hold rallies in front of the Constitutional Court on the 18th and in front of the Blue House on the 19th." Currently, about 30,900 members are registered in the cafe.