New LTE service subscriptions available with 5G self-sufficient terminals
Advance notice of 5G coverage and other issues has also been strengthened.


Instead of expensive 5G plans, you can now use the latest 5G smartphones by subscribing to relatively inexpensive LTE plans.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 21st that it is now officially possible to subscribe to LTE service with a 5G self-sufficient smartphone.

Recently, consumer groups and the National Assembly have continuously raised the need for measures such as ▲ enabling LTE service subscriptions with 5G self-sufficient terminals and ▲ supplementing explanations of 5G coverage.

Reflecting these criticisms, the three mobile carriers submitted changes to their terms and conditions on Friday, August 21, following discussions with the Telecommunications Service System Improvement Advisory Committee, which includes consumer groups, businesses, and experts. However, LG U+ will be available for subscription starting Friday, August 28th.

With this measure, LTE service can now be officially launched with 5G self-sufficient terminals. Going forward, any service that deviates from the terms and conditions will be subject to sanctions from the Korea Communications Commission, a post-regulatory body, as it will be a prohibited act under Article 50 of the Telecommunications Business Act.

Additionally, when applying for 5G subscription, we have decided to further strengthen notification of key information, including 5G coverage, at frontline distribution networks such as dealerships and sales outlets.

Although subscriber consent is still required, we have decided to provide more detailed information on ① areas and facilities where 5G is available, ② that shadows may exist for a considerable period of time in indoor and underground areas due to the characteristics of the frequency, and ③ that the service is provided in the 3.5GHz frequency band.

Meanwhile, it was decided to formally reflect in the terms and conditions the settlement program related to the difference in subsidy (penalty) that may arise when receiving subsidy from a telecommunications company and changing the rate plan (e.g. from 5G to LTE) to resolve uncertainty.

Secretary General Jeong Ji-yeon of the Korea Consumer Agency said, “Amid the increasing trend of self-paying devices, it is possible to sign up for new LTE services with 5G self-paying devices, and the uncertainty regarding the settlement of subsidy differences (penalties) when moving from 5G to LTE in the middle of a contract has been improved, reflecting the opinions of consumer groups. We welcome these partial improvements.”