Park Jung-ho SKT CEO "Telecom Companies and Platforms Must Increase Social Contribution"

Emphasizing the Role of Companies Amid COVID-19 Challenges

Park Jung-ho, CEO of SK Telecom, attended a meeting on the afternoon of the 15th at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, held between Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, and the CEOs of the three major mobile carriers.

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] Park Jung-ho, CEO of SK Telecom, stated on the 15th that "telecommunication companies and platform operators need to increase their social contributions."

After a meeting held in the afternoon at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, between Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, and the CEOs of the three major mobile carriers, Park Jung-ho spoke to reporters and made this remark.

Addressing platform operators, Park said, "Those running platforms are now paying a lot towards telecommunications development funds," adding, "Platforms should also consider contributing more to social development funds or making greater social contributions."

The meeting was organized to discuss current issues in the telecommunications industry amid ongoing difficulties caused by COVID-19, and to urge efforts for coexistence with small and medium-sized enterprises, reduction of household telecommunications expenses, and job creation. It was a response to the concerns of the Korea Communications Commission.

Regarding the dispute over network usage fees following the first trial ruling in favor of SK Broadband against Netflix, Park said they are still considering their options. "We are contemplating whether to proceed to the second trial with Netflix or negotiate to reach a favorable agreement," he said, adding, "Netflix is not the end; there are platforms like YouTube that use the network more extensively." It is known that related discussions took place during the meeting as well.

Meanwhile, on SK Telecom's OTT strategy, which is currently collaborating with global online video service (OTT) providers, Park was reserved, saying, "(Regarding contracts with Apple TV Plus and Amazon Prime) that is confidential."