The Ministry of Science and ICT is collaborating with the telecommunications and platform industries to support the Chuseok holiday. From September 24 to 27, the initiative includes free video calls, improvements in communication quality in key areas, and early payment of fees.
On September 19, the Ministry announced that it is implementing these digital support measures in partnership with the three major telecom companies and platform firms.
To address the surge in cyber threats, such as voice phishing during the holiday, the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) will enhance monitoring. An emergency response system will be established with telecom, platform, and major security companies to ensure rapid responses to any incidents.
Specifically, the three telecom companies will operate a '24-hour emergency response team' to monitor traffic surges, security threats, and service disruptions in real time. Kakao will send messages to approximately 27 million users via 'Kakao Channel Talk' to help prevent phishing crimes, including the recent rise in 'team mission scams.'
Free video call services will be available to all telecom users, including those with budget mobile plans.
Major platform companies will also provide guidance on transportation and medical facilities during the holiday. New tabs for 'Emergency Care' and 'Free Holiday Parking' will be added to Naver Maps and KakaoMap, offering information on open hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and emergency rooms, as well as locations of free parking.
Communication quality will be improved in key transportation areas. The Ministry and telecom companies will triple the communication infrastructure along major high-speed rail routes, which are expected to see heavy travel during the holiday.
Additionally, 305 new base stations will be installed at major locations such as highways, train stations, airports, and tourist sites. An additional 32 mobile base stations will also be deployed to ensure stable communication services.
To support small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners, early payments for supplier fees and distribution network commissions will be made.
To address challenges faced in telecom construction sites, the lowest bid award system will be improved, and safety management costs will be adjusted to enhance site stability.
Platform companies will also expedite payments to their partner businesses. Promotions to reduce advertising costs and payment processing fees will help alleviate the financial burden on small businesses.
To ease the economic burden on low-income and vulnerable groups, the overdue payment system for communication fees will be improved. Previously, users could only receive basic voice and text services during the overdue period. Going forward, essential services such as 'identity verification' and 'phishing and spam blocking' will be accessible. The period for receiving services will be extended from 21 days to a maximum of three months, increasing nearly fourfold. Small payment delinquencies will no longer be grounds for service suspension.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.