SK Telecom announced additional measures on the 2nd to alleviate customer concerns and inconveniences regarding the recent hacking incident involving SIM card information. Ryu Young-sang, the CEO, unveiled customer protection plans during a briefing held at SK Telecom Tower in Euljiro, Seoul, which included automatic enrollment in SIM card protection services, plans to secure stock of SIM cards, and expanded support for overseas travelers.
First, SK Telecom will suspend the recruitment of new subscriptions and number transfers at over 2,600 T World stores nationwide starting May 5. This decision is aimed at prioritizing the replacement of SIM cards for existing customers due to the shortage of SIM card supplies, and SK Telecom will cover the operational losses incurred during this period.
Second, SK Telecom reported to the Ministry of Science and ICT that it has introduced automatic enrollment for the SIM card protection service, allowing all customers to be automatically enrolled without having to apply separately. As of now, 14.42 million people have subscribed to the SIM card protection service, and the remaining approximately 8.5 million are expected to be automatically enrolled sequentially by the 14th. Priority will be given to elderly customers aged 75 and over and those with disabilities.
Third, SK Telecom plans to secure a total of 10 million SIM cards, with 5 million each in May and June, to alleviate inconveniences related to SIM card replacement. To this end, it will collaborate with SIM card manufacturers to expand production and shorten supply schedules, ensuring immediate supply on weekends and holidays.
Fourth, to support overseas travelers, SK Telecom will expand the number of seats and processing capacity at roaming centers in Incheon and Gimpo airports. Additionally, it will double the seating capacity at airport roaming centers by the 6th, deploying over 100 headquarters staff on-site to assist with SIM card replacements.
Finally, SK Telecom plans to implement the SIM card protection service 2.0 starting on the 14th, which will also be available to overseas roaming customers. Existing subscribers of the SIM card protection service will be applied automatically without a separate application.
In relation to this incident, SK Telecom will conduct daily briefings on customer information protection, transparently disclose statistics related to SIM card replacements and protection services, and rectify misunderstandings. Ryu Young-sang, the CEO, said, “I sincerely apologize to the customers who experienced anxiety and inconvenience, and we will do everything possible to ensure customer protection and prevent damage in the future.”