Wired Internet and IPTV Errors from 5 AM to 10 AM on the 5th
Caused by ipTIME and Mercury Wireless Routers
Telecom Companies like KT "Reviewing Compensation Plans"
Wired internet and IPTV connection issues have been resolved. The error was caused by software malfunctions in two wireless routers from specific manufacturers, and telecom companies plan to review compensation measures.
According to the industry on the 6th, the wired internet and IPTV connection errors that occurred nationwide, including Seoul, from around 5 PM to 10 PM the previous day have been fully restored.
SK Broadband announced, "The internet and IPTV service disruption that occurred from around 5 PM to 10 PM yesterday has been resolved, and service is now available," adding, "We sincerely apologize to users who experienced significant inconvenience due to the software malfunction of a specific device (AP)." An AP is a device that helps convert a wired network to wireless.
KT also stated in a notice, "The issue of internet connection failure caused by two wireless router APs from a specific manufacturer between 4:50 PM and 9:58 PM yesterday has been resolved," and advised, "Users experiencing internet connection issues should turn the power of their wireless router devices off and on before use."
It was confirmed that the specific routers were from the manufacturers ipTIME and Mercury. Among the routers provided to users of their own internet networks, SK Broadband offers routers from Mercury, while KT includes routers from both manufacturers.
An LG Uplus official said, "Our company does not provide routers from these manufacturers," adding, "The problem occurred with routers purchased separately by users." They further explained, "The service disruption notice was posted for informational purposes." LG Uplus guided users to upgrade the software of ipTIME private routers to the latest version through service disruption notices issued on the day and the previous day.
Telecom companies are reviewing compensation plans. SK Broadband stated that since the disruption was not the fault of users, it falls under the terms and conditions for fee reduction, and they plan to offer a one-day fee discount. This is based on the terms that require compensation of ten times the unused time for disruptions lasting two consecutive hours caused by intentional or gross negligence by the provider.
An industry insider said, "Regardless of user fault, fee reductions can be considered when disruptions occur, and if the damage is greater, users can claim damages." However, since this case is understood to be a device malfunction, once the cause is identified, telecom companies may hold the device manufacturers responsible. LG Uplus stated that since it is not responsible, it is not reviewing any compensation plans separately.
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