[2024 National Audit] LTE Plans More Expensive Than 5G... Top 3 Telecoms Say "We Will Review"

Assemblywoman Choi Sujin Points Out LTE Plan Price Inversion Phenomenon

On the 8th, Choi Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out during the national audit that an 'inversion phenomenon' is occurring where LTE plans are more expensive than 5G plans, and heard intentions for improvement from the three major mobile carriers.

At the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee audit that day, Representative Choi stated, "Through government efforts, 5G plans have been reduced, but an inversion phenomenon has occurred with LTE plans used by 13 million people."

Representative Choi explained that 5G communication by the three carriers is faster than LTE communication, but for plans offering similar data capacities, LTE plans are about 10,000 KRW more expensive.

In response, Lim Bong-ho, head of SK Telecom's Customer Business Division, who attended the National Assembly, said, "We will carefully consider the points you mentioned when we overhaul the overall plans." Jung Soo-hyun, head of LG Uplus Consumer Division, said, "We are aware of the inversion phenomenon and will actively review it."

Kim Young-seop, CEO of KT, said, "I understand that the inversion phenomenon occurs in certain segments between 5G and LTE plans," adding, "We will strengthen the system to prevent the inversion phenomenon."

Representative Choi mentioned that when choosing a selective discount, the cancellation penalty for a 24-month contract is higher than that for a 12-month contract, and told CEO Kim that changes to the terms and conditions system are necessary. In response, CEO Kim said, "Changes to the terms and conditions system will require further consultation with the government."