Korea Communications Commission Chairman Lee Dong-gwan mentions ‘interest cartel’ to CEOs of three telecommunication companies, “Reexamine rate system”

2023-09-15 07:17:58

▲ Lee Dong-gwan, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, is taking a commemorative photo with representatives of the three mobile communications companies following completing a meeting with broadcasting and communications industry officials held at the Gwacheon Government Complex in Gyeonggi-do on September 15. From the left, SK Telecom CEO and President Yoo Young-sang, Korea Communications Commission Chairman Lee Dong-gwan, KT CEO Kim Young-seop, and LG U+ CEO and President Hwang Hyun-sik. <연합뉴스>

[비즈니스포스트] At his first meeting with the representatives of the three mobile telecommunication companies since taking office, Chairman Lee Dong-gwan of the Korea Communications Commission mentioned a complete review of the telecommunication fee system and showed a strong will to ease the burden of household telecommunication costs.

At a meeting with broadcasting and communications industry officials held at the Gwacheon Government Complex in Gyeonggi-do on the 15th, Chairman Lee Dong-kwan of the Korea Communications Commission said, “I have a firm belief that all citizens should equally enjoy the benefits of communications, regardless of gender, age, and rich and poor.” “They should be able to use communication services at low rates,” he said.

Chairman Lee met with telecommunications operators for the first time since taking office and emphasized the role of telecommunications operators in promoting public convenience and developing the broadcasting and communication ecosystem. In attendance were SK Telecom CEO Yoo Young-sang, KT CEO Kim Young-seop, and LG U+ CEO Hwang Hyun-sik.

Chairman Lee began the meeting by explaining the basics of the ‘mobile network system’ to representatives of the three mobile communication companies. Looking at it in detail, it includes △ reducing household communication costs and improving the terminal distribution structure △ creating a safe digital use environment △ resolving user inconvenience △ regulating unfair practices and strengthening user rights.

Chairman Lee pointed out that the telecommunications industry has been evaluated as an ‘interest cartel’ because it has been operated under an oligopoly system for a long time, and emphasized that telecommunication companies must take action to protect users’ rights and interests.

He said, “Concerns are also being raised that telecommunications companies are overly discriminatory in paying incentives only to some distribution outlets, infringing on user rights and interests and disrupting fair market order.” “There are opinions that it cannot be considered cheap, and there are many complaints that there are not enough rate plans for consumers to choose from,” he criticized.

He added, “I hope that in the future, we will comprehensively reexamine the terminal prices and communication service fee system and work together to find ways to substantially reduce the burden on the people.”

Chairman Lee called for fair competition in the telecommunications market toward the three mobile telecommunication companies and expressed his intention to take strict action once morest unfair practices.

He said, “As mobile carriers are key players in the broadcasting and communication industry ecosystem, we hope that they will take the lead in ensuring that the entire industry grows evenly and coexists.” He added, “We will carry out strong investigations and strict sanctions in relation to unfair practices that cloud the market.” “I will go out,” he emphasized.

Chairman Lee requested that the three telecommunication companies thoroughly operate the system so that the public can continue to enjoy the benefits of telecommunication, which is an essential and public good.

He said, “As a company representing the Republic of Korea, please join us in sharing the pain and coexistence with the people and other members of society and resolving user inconveniences in daily life.”

Chairman Lee Dong-kwan planned to provide an opportunity to have conversations with the platform industry, starting with this meeting. Through this, we will continue to promote policy cooperation for user protection and fair competition in the broadcasting, communications, and Internet fields. Reporter Kim Hong-jun

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