KCC Conducts First On-Site Inspection After Abolition of Device Distribution Act: "Will Ensure Tangible Benefits for Consumers"

Meeting with Three Major Mobile Carriers and Distributors
Intensive Inspection of Compliance with Contract Documentation and Notification Obligations

Shin Seunghan, Market Research Director of the Korea Communications Commission (right), visited mobile phone stores at Gangbyeon Technomart in Seoul on the 23rd to check the implementation of the revised system following the abolition of the Device Distribution Act. Photo by Korea Communications Commission

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has conducted its first on-site inspection following the abolition of the Device Distribution Structure Improvement Act (commonly known as the Device Distribution Act). The purpose is to minimize potential market changes and confusion at retail sites resulting from the repeal of the Act.

On July 23, the KCC visited the mobile phone retail complex at Gangbyeon Technomart in Seoul, held a meeting with representatives from the three major mobile carriers (SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus) and distribution outlets, and inspected the current status of training for distribution networks and consumer guidance following the abolition of the Act.

Shin Seunghan, Market Research Director of the KCC, who presided over the meeting, stated, "The government will conduct thorough inspections to ensure that consumers can experience tangible benefits as a result of the abolition of the Device Distribution Act."

Following the meeting, the KCC, together with the three mobile carriers, visited retail stores in person to directly check whether device subsidies were clearly stated in contracts and whether important information was being properly communicated to users.

Additionally, since July 22, the KCC has been conducting a nationwide inspection of retail outlets to verify whether pre-approval documents are posted and whether the obligation to notify consumers of contract terms is being fulfilled. This monitoring is scheduled to continue intensively through August.