The stock of SK Telecom's USIM (Subscriber Identity Module) exceeds the number of people waiting to replace them. The company is discussing the resumption of new subscriptions at its direct and agent stores while sharing the situation regarding the USIM replacements with the Ministry of Science and ICT.
On the 12th, SK Telecom held a daily briefing on cyber intrusion incidents at the Samhwa Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, and announced it would secure an additional 1.9 million USIMs by the end of this week. The company plans to secure another 1.6 million by the 20th. Kim Hee-seop, head of the SK Telecom PR Center, noted, "We will secure a significantly higher number of USIMs than the 2.47 million remaining subscribers as of the previous day."
As of the previous day, the cumulative number of subscribers for USIM replacement at SK Telecom stands at 7.22 million. Customers who received notices that they can replace their USIM but have not yet done so totaled 480,000 as of the previous day. Kim said, "Even if all remaining subscribers replace their USIMs by the 20th, we have secured over 1 million units of inventory," adding that "we are equipped to handle replacements for customers who have not visited within a week at any time."
SK Telecom plans to complete the USIM replacement work by the 20th and improve the system to allow additional reservations for those who wish to specify a date. Afterward, options to replace USIMs without reservations are also being considered.
The on-site USIM replacement and rerouting service has been conducted in 173 locations to date. By the end of June, there are plans to cover over 300 locations. Starting next month, services will be provided to replace USIMs for customers with mobility difficulties at welfare centers and other locations. The Ministry of National Defense is also conducting USIM replacements for over 13,000 soldiers at the front lines as requested.
SK Telecom plans to establish a dedicated information page regarding the intrusion incidents on T World by the 16th. A Q&A corner by topic, addressing concerns frequently raised at customer service centers and stores, will be organized.