The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission (BMCC) plans to take strict action against unfair practices by mobile phone retailers that encourage high-cost plans or additional services.
On September 16, the BMCC held its 35th plenary meeting at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, where it reviewed and approved measures aimed at enhancing user rights and preventing unfair practices in the mobile device distribution environment.
These measures were developed in response to the repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act (Device Subsidy Law) in July of last year and the subsequent amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which aim to protect users.
First, the BMCC will establish a 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' involving experts, telecommunications companies, and manufacturers. This initiative is based on the recognition that government-led post-regulation has limitations in detecting and penalizing market violations.
Market monitoring will also be conducted, including checks on discriminatory subsidy practices between telecommunications subsidiaries and small budget carriers. Additionally, the compliance of budget carrier subscription procedures will be examined to prevent the activation of unauthorized phones.
Policies to enhance user convenience will also be implemented. Telecommunications companies will be required to send automatic notification messages to users when the contract period for their subscribed plan expires, allowing them to choose a more suitable plan.
In addition to the 'common support fund' information currently disclosed by telecommunications companies, a standard format will be established for retailers to post information about additional support funds.
Measures to address user harm have also been developed. Users who suffer damages due to poorly written contracts will be able to report issues directly through a 'user participation reporting system' by submitting relevant documentation.
Furthermore, initiatives to promote self-regulation among telecommunications companies and distribution networks will be pursued. To prevent issues such as sales staff leaving without fulfilling promised support during the contract process, a 'sales responsibility system' will be expanded to register and manage retail staff. Oversight of agencies will also be strengthened to curb incomplete sales practices by unauthorized retailers.
BMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol emphasized, "Through the establishment and implementation of this policy, which centers on user benefits and rights, we will boldly eliminate unfair practices and behaviors in the market."
The BMCC plans to form the 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' based on these measures to implement policy tasks and continuously monitor unfair practices in the mobile device distribution market.
On September 16, the BMCC held its 35th plenary meeting at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, where it reviewed and approved measures aimed at enhancing user rights and preventing unfair practices in the mobile device distribution environment.
These measures were developed in response to the repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act (Device Subsidy Law) in July of last year and the subsequent amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which aim to protect users.
First, the BMCC will establish a 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' involving experts, telecommunications companies, and manufacturers. This initiative is based on the recognition that government-led post-regulation has limitations in detecting and penalizing market violations.
Market monitoring will also be conducted, including checks on discriminatory subsidy practices between telecommunications subsidiaries and small budget carriers. Additionally, the compliance of budget carrier subscription procedures will be examined to prevent the activation of unauthorized phones.
Policies to enhance user convenience will also be implemented. Telecommunications companies will be required to send automatic notification messages to users when the contract period for their subscribed plan expires, allowing them to choose a more suitable plan.
In addition to the 'common support fund' information currently disclosed by telecommunications companies, a standard format will be established for retailers to post information about additional support funds.
Measures to address user harm have also been developed. Users who suffer damages due to poorly written contracts will be able to report issues directly through a 'user participation reporting system' by submitting relevant documentation.
Furthermore, initiatives to promote self-regulation among telecommunications companies and distribution networks will be pursued. To prevent issues such as sales staff leaving without fulfilling promised support during the contract process, a 'sales responsibility system' will be expanded to register and manage retail staff. Oversight of agencies will also be strengthened to curb incomplete sales practices by unauthorized retailers.
BMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol emphasized, "Through the establishment and implementation of this policy, which centers on user benefits and rights, we will boldly eliminate unfair practices and behaviors in the market."
The BMCC plans to form the 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' based on these measures to implement policy tasks and continuously monitor unfair practices in the mobile device distribution market.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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