From 1GB to Unlimited... Speed Control Also Optional
Follow-up Measures for Government's Telecom Market Competition Promotion Plan
Aiming for Lifestyle Platform... Offering Content and Entertainment
LG Uplus has launched a new plan that allows individuals to combine data and speed control options according to their communication usage patterns. Previously, customers had to pay for expensive plans even if they had leftover data due to wide data range tiers. Now, users can choose plans that fit their usage patterns from 1GB to unlimited and easily switch plans based on their consumption. This is expected to reduce communication costs for low data users.
On the 5th, LG Uplus introduced 'Nerget,' a lifestyle platform offering hyper-personalized communication experiences, along with 16 types of 5G plans.
(From left) Kim Gui-hyun, Head of Communication Life Platform, Jung Hyun-joo, Head of Infinistar Center, and Lee Gyu-hwa, Head of Business Cooperation, are answering reporters' questions. [Photo by LG Uplus]
Nerget is a digital-based communication platform that enables all communication-related tasks to be handled 100% via mobile conveniently. The Nerget plans consist of ▲16 types of 5G online-only plans ▲'Party Pay,' which offers family and friends bundle discounts ▲and 'Topping,' which allows additional purchases of data and supplementary calls.
From 1GB to Unlimited... Minimizing Leftover Data
The most notable feature is that the low data range from 1 to 11GB is divided into detailed 2GB increments. The minimum capacity for the existing online-only direct plans was 8GB. Previously, customers who used only 1 to 7GB per month had to pay 35,000 KRW for the 8GB plan, but now they can subscribe to a plan that matches their usage. Attention was paid to the fact that data usage patterns among people in their 20s are divided into frugal users who use Wi-Fi at cafes, schools, and workplaces and only use data while on the move, and heavy users who use unlimited data.
Kim Gwi-hyun, head of LG Uplus Communication Life Platform, said, "Using Nerget minimizes leftover data and allows planned and rational consumption according to communication usage patterns. For example, if you expect leftover data at the end of the month and downgrade your plan, you can get a refund based on the remaining fees and data."
This is also part of the follow-up measures to the communication market competition promotion plan announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT in July. The ministry stated, "As part of the follow-up to the communication market competition promotion plan, LG Uplus has reported the establishment of new plans in its terms of use. We will continue efforts to reduce the burden of communication fees on the public by lowering the minimum 5G fee tiers and subdividing small data tiers, improving the 5G plans of the three major carriers to a fee system that matches usage."
The speed control data options provided after the basic data allowance is exhausted have also diversified. For example, even with the same 24GB monthly plan, users can choose speed control options of 1Mbps (42,000 KRW) or 3Mbps (45,000 KRW) according to their smartphone usage patterns. 1Mbps supports YouTube at 320P, and 3Mbps supports YouTube at 720P resolution.
Family and Friends Bundle Discounts... Data Purchases Like Adding Pizza Toppings
Although these are online plans, users of Nerget plans can bundle up to four lines with family and friends to receive 'Party Pay' discount benefits. Plans in the 30,000 KRW range get a 2,000 KRW discount, and those in the 40,000 KRW range get a 3,000 KRW discount. Unlimited plans receive discounts ranging from 3,500 KRW (for 2 lines) up to 14,000 KRW (for 4 lines) depending on the number of lines.
Nerget plans are expected to reduce communication costs for low data users. For example, a user who consumes 3GB per month previously had to pay 35,000 KRW for the 8GB plan. By switching to Nerget, they can use a 3GB plan for 31,000 KRW and receive a 2,000 KRW Party Pay discount with a friend, paying only 29,000 KRW monthly. LG Uplus’s MVNO subsidiary’s 5G plan prices are 25,000 KRW for 3GB and 27,700 KRW for 5GB. Considering that MVNO 5G plans do not have speed control data options, Nerget is evaluated to have competitiveness comparable to MVNOs.
Although there are speed control options, users may find them insufficient for enjoying high-spec games or high-definition videos after exhausting the basic data allowance. Like adding toppings to a pizza, users can purchase additional data or video call options through 'Topping.' These include 'Time Booster,' which allows unlimited data use for a specific period, 'Tethering Booster,' which charges tethering data, and 'Video & Supplementary Call Booster.' For example, if a user has used all their data but wants to watch a 2-hour video, they can purchase a topping for 4,500 KRW.
Like existing online direct plans, Nerget is contract-free. Plan changes and cancellations are free. It uses a prepaid payment method, allowing users to change plans monthly based on data usage. Nerget plans are available for subscription until March 2024, and after the promotion ends, conversion to a regular product will be considered. Additionally, next month, a youth-exclusive Nerget plan (ages 19 to 29) offering up to 11GB of data benefits will be launched.
A Platform That Embraces Not Only Communication but Also Lifestyle
LG Uplus has positioned Nerget as a lifestyle platform beyond a simple customer service app. The service is launched by the new business organization Infinista, not the existing mobile plan team. The app includes not only communication services but also content and ExTem, offering entertainment. It regularly updates interviews, exhibition information, videos, and introductions to popular spots. A special membership called ExTem, meaning experience and item, is also provided. It offers the 'YeonYeon Pass,' usable at hot places in Yeonhui-dong and Yeonnam-dong selected by local experts.
Kim said, "Existing communication services do not require revisits after subscription, but Nerget encourages continuous app visits," adding, "We plan to evolve from a communication platform to a lifestyle platform."
Jung Hyun-joo, head of LG Uplus Infinista Center, said, "Nerget is characterized by increasing selectable options for communication services tailored to customers pursuing their own lifestyles. We will evolve into a communication life platform by introducing various services that not only reduce customers’ household communication expenses but also add new experiences to their daily lives."
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