Applications Accepted on KT.com Starting November 5
Replacements Available at KT Agencies Nationwide
Priority Given to Affected Areas... Nationwide Replacement Begins December 3
Self-Replacement via Courier Delivery Available from November 11
KT will provide free USIM card replacements to all subscribers. This move comes in response to growing concerns over unauthorized small-value payments made through illegal micro base stations (femtocells) and the leakage of customer personal information, which have heightened customer security worries.
On November 4, KT announced that starting from November 5, it will offer free USIM replacements to all customers who wish to change their cards. This USIM replacement program will also be available to MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) customers who use the KT network.
A KT representative explained, "This is an additional measure to protect customers, following the previous waiver of penalties for affected customers."
Under this decision, KT will begin providing free USIM replacement services to customers who register through the KT.com website starting at 9 a.m. on November 5. Customers wishing to replace their USIM cards can make a reservation online at KT.com or through the dedicated USIM replacement center (080-594-0114), and then visit any nationwide KT agency to complete the replacement.
Anticipating a surge in initial applications, KT plans to prioritize USIM replacements in areas where incidents have occurred, such as Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province and Geumcheon District in Seoul, before gradually expanding the service to other regions. Beginning November 5, applications will be accepted in eight districts of Seoul, nine cities in Gyeonggi Province, and all areas of Incheon. From November 19, the replacement service will be extended to the entire Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province. USIM replacements at all KT agencies nationwide will begin on December 3.
For customers who are unable to visit a KT agency, a self-activation service using courier delivery will be available starting November 11.
The specific procedures and schedule for MVNO customers using the KT network to apply for USIM replacement will be announced later by each MVNO provider.
Previously, KT had only offered free USIM replacements to victims of unauthorized small-value payment incidents that occurred in September, but after being asked to expand the program to all customers during last month's National Assembly audit, the company began considering a broader rollout. At that time, CEO Kim stated, "We are in the final stages of preparing for a USIM replacement for all customers," and added, "We will implement it once it is approved by the board of directors."
A KT representative said, "With this measure, we plan to further strengthen our overall network security and personal information protection to create a communication environment where customers can use our services with confidence. We will continue to make fundamental improvements to our security systems and stabilize our services to minimize customer inconvenience and become a trusted company."
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