South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

Everyone gets unlimited 400 Kbps access, oldies get expanded caps, and leaky telcos get their social license back

Universal basic income is an idea that hasn’t gained much traction, but South Korea on Thursday implemented a universal basic mobile data access scheme.

The nation’s Ministry of Science announced the plan yesterday with a statement and a rather more interesting giant infographic that both explain the scheme will provide over seven million subscribers with unlimited downloads at just 400 kbps after their data allowances expire. South Korea’s dominant carriers, SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, have agreed to the plan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon said the scheme is needed because citizens can’t do without access to online services, and also because South Korea’s telcos need to re-earn their social licenses after recent security lapses that saw shoddy security practices at SK Telecom lead to a massive leak, a 3TB dark web data drama at LG Uplus, and woeful femtocell security at KT – which may also have distributed malware to its customers.

"We have now reached a critical juncture where we must move beyond mere pledges not to repeat past mistakes,” the deputy PM said. “Instead, we must respond with a level of innovation and contribution – a complete transformation – that the public can tangibly perceive."

"It is crucial to contribute to public welfare – such as by guaranteeing basic telecommunications rights for all citizens – while actively investing to lead the way toward a future defined by an AI-driven society,” he added.

The universal basic data scheme is not the only act of contrition South Korea’s telcos promised to perform.

They’ve also resolved to introduce low-priced 5G plans that cost ₩20,000 or less ($13.50), and to increase data and calling allowances for senior citizens. The government also extracted promises to upgrade Wi-Fi services on subways and long-distance trains.

Bae didn’t just wield a stick: He also dangled a carrot in the form of a promise to support research on networks that will support AI applications. But he also urged the three telcos to invest more in the networks – not just datacenters – to make AI applications accessible to all.