South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access
by saikatsg on 4/11/2026, 1:27:16 PM
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/10/south_korea_data_access_universal/
Comments
by: jl6
> the scheme will provide over seven million subscribers with unlimited downloads at just 400 kbps after their data allowances expire.<p>Does this mean it’s not a universal entitlement as such, because you presumably first have to pay for a plan with an allowance? (Not to mention having to pay for a device).
4/11/2026, 1:52:43 PM
by: Leomuck
Crazy, I've never heard of such a plan anywhere. But given how essential the internet is to everything we do on a daily basis, that makes a lot of sense. However, I would like to see the existing situation that lead to this decision. Were there many people who couldn't do things anymore due to lacking internet access? Was there public pressure to do this or did they just think it a good idea?<p>My assumption so far was that there are those who use the internet, they're usually fine, and those that don't - they won't benefit much. But no idea about South Korea. Anyway, cheaper and unlimited access is always a good idea!
4/11/2026, 2:35:58 PM
by: Leftium
> unlimited downloads at just 400 kbps after their data allowances expire<p>This is not new. Many Korean mobile plans actually offer even higher unlimited throttled speeds (up to 10 Mbps!)<p>- You can filter plans by the unlimited throttled speed on this site. The plans are usually titled by `{data amount} + {throttled speed}`: <a href="https://www.moyoplan.com/plans" rel="nofollow">https://www.moyoplan.com/plans</a><p>- Even if not throttled, I think data overage charges were capped at about $13 (20K KRW)<p>So perhaps unlimited 400 kbps will become standard: i.e. no plans will ever charge data overage fees?<p>---<p>The linked statement didn't seem to specifically mention the 400 kbps thing at all.
4/11/2026, 3:10:41 PM
by: everdrive
Seems nice but is actually a terrible move. It's another step towards the presumption that everyone should have a smartphone.
4/11/2026, 2:49:45 PM