‘Goodbye, 3G’: SKT Halts New 3G Sign-Ups, Offers LTE and 5G Migration Support

SK Telecom (SKT) on the 20th unveiled plans to phase out its 3G service and announced that, as a preliminary step, it would stop accepting new 3G subscriptions. Rather than immediately shutting down 3G, SKT has begun a process of restricting related migration services first.

Starting today (the 20th), SKT will stop new subscriptions for 3G devices and for LTE devices that do not support HD Voice (Voice). Also starting today (the 20th), it will stop number transfers for 3G devices and LTE devices that do not support HD Voice (Voice), as well as device changes for 3G devices and LTE devices that do not support HD Voice (Voice). The scope of the device-change suspension includes SIM-only device changes.

SKT plans to later seek approval for the shutdown from the Ministry of Science and ICT, and after submitting the application, it intends to proceed with a gradual end to 3G service. SKT will support affected customers in migrating to LTE and 5G. The reasons cited for the decision include a continued decline in 3G subscribers, a continued decline in 3G traffic, aging 3G handsets, aging 3G equipment, and shifts in the communications environment centered on next-generation networks.

There are already examples of 3G service shutdowns in global markets. Verizon in the United States, T-Mobile in the United States, AT&T in the United States, NTT Docomo in Japan, SoftBank in Japan, KDDI in Japan, and O2 in the United Kingdom are cited as cases of 3G service closures. When considering shutdowns, major global telecom operators factor in user declines, improved spectrum efficiency, and the sustainability of network operations.

SKT said it will stop accepting new 3G subscriptions and will support those customers in using LTE and 5G services. To that end, it will establish a service migration support program for existing 3G device users as of 00:00 on August 20, 2026, and will also set up a service migration support program for LTE device users that do not support the HD Voice feature as of 00:00 on August 20, 2026. The goal is to support use of LTE and 5G services.

For customers moving to the new service, existing bundled discounts will continue to apply, and long-term customer benefits will also remain unchanged. Eligible customers can choose one of three programs based on their preference during the migration.

Option 1 is a free device replacement, allowing customers to choose 1 of 3 designated LTE and 5G devices, and providing a monthly bill discount of up to KRW 12,000 for 24 months. Option 2 provides up to KRW 380,000 in device purchase subsidies and a monthly bill discount of up to KRW 12,000 for 24 months. Option 3 offers up to a 70% monthly subscription fee discount for 24 months, with a maximum discount of up to KRW 700,000. Regardless of which program is selected, 4 refill coupons will also be provided.

The refill coupons apply to lines that have completed a device replacement. When using refill coupons, the available options are two types: 20% voice or 100% data.

SKT is also seeking to ease bill burdens for older customers. The target group is 3G subscribers aged 65 or older, and the condition is migration to LTE or 5G.

In this case, the available plan is the New Silver Plan (monthly KRW 9,900). If customers do not switch to another plan after subscribing, they can continue using it. In addition, customers who terminate service or move to another carrier without receiving the service migration support program will be given a KRW 40,000 cancellation subsidy, while the cancellation subsidy for smart device lines is KRW 20,000. Any penalties incurred during the service migration, termination, or carrier-switching process will be waived.

Applications for the service migration support can be submitted at T World stores nationwide, the SKT customer center, and the official online mall, T Direct Shop.

Yoon Jae-woong, head of SKT's Product & Brand Division, said the company will support migration by taking into account the individual circumstances of long-term 3G users, and added that it will continue strengthening network quality and service competitiveness with the goal of providing stable and convenient communications services for all customers.

Source: IT DAILY · Seong Won-young
Original: https://www.itdaily.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=241090

References

• https://www.itdaily.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=241090