10 September 2021

South Korea’s telecommunications regulator fined telecom giant KT ₩500m for providing internet services that were slower than what users had been promised.

A joint investigation by the Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Science and ICT, found that KT erroneously set speeds for 24 of its high-speed internet service users, leading to slower-than-expected speeds.

The operator also frequently did not conduct speed tests when opening new internet services. Where it did, there were numerous cases in which speeds did not meet the minimum limit.

KT was the biggest offender with 24,221 cases, compared with LG Uplus. at 1,401 and SK Telecom and its subsidiary at a combined 155.

Local internet service providers are required to notify users of such matters prior to opening services.

Moreover, the regulator said it would fine KT a combined ₩500m for the violations, while others were ordered to take corrective measures.

The move comes after a South Korean tech YouTuber accused KT earlier this year of providing slow internet service speeds, prompting the government investigation.