[2022 National Audit] Ministry of Science and ICT "5G Plans for Seniors and Youth to Launch by Year-End"

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit held on the afternoon of the 4th, "We will launch exclusive rate plans for seniors and youth by the end of the year." The photo shows Minister Lee Jong-ho responding to a question from Assemblyman Jang Kyung-tae. Photo by YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, announced on the 4th that "a customized 5G plan for the elderly and youth will be launched by the end of the year."

Minister Lee Jong-ho responded to a question from Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding the preparation status for the launch of exclusive plans for the elderly and youth during the National Assembly Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit held that afternoon, saying, "We are currently continuing consultations."

Assemblyman Jang Kyung-tae pointed out, "According to current wireless communication fee delinquency information, people in their 20s and 30s account for 43% of the total, and those in their 40s and 60s account for 29%. Looking at the scale of delinquent amounts, the young generation's fee delinquency situation is severe."

He added, "The problem is not to leave the delinquency situation unattended, but the Ministry of Science and ICT needs to address the basic communication rights issues related to youth. When small payments are delinquent, even basic communication rights are restricted, so it is necessary to consider whether to link measures accordingly."

Minister Lee Jong-ho replied, "We are considering various measures such as installment payments, allowing payments without interest, and basically providing more data."

In June, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration announced the 'New Government Economic Policy Direction,' which included inducing the launch of 5G plans for the elderly and youth along with a mid-tier 5G plan. The 110 major national tasks also included the launch of customized plans for 'youth and elderly tailored support' to reduce the digital usage burden.