The third-generation (3G) mobile communication, which ushered in the smartphone era, is set to be phased out. SK Telecom (SKT) and KT have officially requested the Ministry of Science and ICT to develop a policy for ending 3G services, and the ministry has indicated it will consider this while prioritizing user protection.
On July 23, a meeting was held at SKT's T Tower in central Seoul, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Kyung-hwan and executives from the three major telecom companies (SKT, KT, and LG Uplus). During this meeting, the telecom companies proposed the termination of 3G services.
Following the meeting, Choi Woo-hyuk, head of the Ministry's Information Protection and Network Policy Office, stated, "The telecom companies have suggested ending 3G services, but this does not mean the government will immediately push for a termination." He emphasized that user protection is the top priority and that discussions will proceed at a predictable pace after thorough consideration, especially given the significant number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections.
Currently, SKT and KT are the only providers operating 3G services in South Korea, while LG Uplus skipped directly to fourth-generation (4G) services. SKT and KT continue to maintain 3G services due to residual demand from some voice call users, IoT devices, and emergency elevator communications.
However, as the mobile communication market transitions to 5G and AI-based networks, there have been ongoing calls to phase out older generation networks. The rapid decline in 3G users has further fueled the urgency for service termination.
According to the Ministry's report on the status of wired and wireless communication services as of the end of April 2026, there were only 346,011 active 3G mobile lines in the country, accounting for a mere 0.6% of all mobile lines. This figure represents a 52.6% decrease from the end of 2023, when there were 729,633 lines.
Nonetheless, significant procedures will be required before the actual termination of 3G services. The previous process for phasing out 2G services involved checks on network operations, field inspections, expert consultations, gathering user opinions, and reviewing user protection plans before final approval.
Given the Ministry's emphasis on user protection, it is expected that an assessment of the current status of 3G users and related infrastructure will precede any decisions. Hong Sa-chan, head of the Ministry's Communication Policy Planning Division, stated, "We will first assess the current usage of 3G services and request comprehensive data from the telecom companies. Based on this, we will review the termination of 3G services and the necessary procedures."
The meeting also addressed advancements in AI-based networks and investment strategies for next-generation communication infrastructure. SKT presented its future network strategy focused on 6G and AI-based Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN).
KT discussed plans to expand undersea cable capacity and enhance competitiveness in low-orbit satellite communications. LG Uplus introduced its plans for establishing a standalone 5G network and developing an AI ecosystem based on its AI Data Center in Paju.
Additionally, the three telecom companies proposed the establishment of subordinate regulations for expanding investments in AI Data Centers and increasing tax credits for investments. Choi noted, "The tax credit situation requires inter-departmental discussions," and added that unlike previous years, they plan to continue these meetings and provide updates on progress.
The Ministry plans to form a public-private committee next month with the three telecom companies to discuss investments in next-generation networks and improvements to communication regulations, aiming to establish reform measures by the end of the year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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