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LG Uplus and other telecom networks in South Korea are officially terminating the services for 2G phones. On Tuesday, May 25, some of the carriers were already approved for their phase-out plans for 2G services.
Discontinuation of 2G networks
As per Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has given its thumbs-up to some telecom companies for the termination of 2G services that will take effect in June. Based on the report, it will be a total termination of operation, so people who still use the 2G phones will no longer be able to use their devices since the support will no longer be available.
The end of the 2G era marks the beginning of the 5G services as it has become the standard service now in the field of telecommunications. In fact, subscriptions to 5G services grew to 14.48 million in March, and these account for the 20% of the mobile subscribers in the country that has a total of 71.1 million, as per the data released by the ICT.
Moreover, since 2G is very outdated already, networks have concluded it is time to leave it behind and move on to new technologies. Besides, these are better options today that also go well with the current lifestyles of most South Koreans.
The networks confirmed to terminate 2G services
LG Uplus is one of the confirmed telecom networks in South Korea that will dismantle its 2G service next month. Korea Joongang Daily reported that KT Telecom and SK Telecom already suspended the services in 2012 and 2020, respectively, and LG was the last to withdraw.
As the major telecoms will no longer offer this 2G service, it means that all phones in South Korea with the prefix used in 2G’s will not work anymore. Prefixes that include 011, 016, and 019 will not be supported starting July, and only the 010 will be usable.
To solve the issue for South Korean citizens who will be affected by the discontinuation of 2Gs. Telecom companies will offer special plans so they can upgrade to either 4G or 5G networks. Subscribers can upgrade without the need to visit stores, and they just need to set an appointment for an LG Uplus staff to visit their homes.
