SK Telecom's MVNO SIM Card Replacement Crisis, Increasing Confusion Among Users
MVNO subscribers using the SK Telecom (SKT) network are reportedly experiencing significant confusion over SIM card replacement issues.
Recently, SKT decided to provide free replacements for MVNO customers using its network following a SIM information leak incident. However, SKT MVNO subscribers are facing inconveniences due to the lack of stores or agencies where they can replace their SIM cards.
While some MVNO service providers have started accepting SIM card replacement applications, the actual replacement timeline remains uncertain.
This is fundamentally caused by SKT's shortage of SIM cards. As of the end of last year, SKT had 23 million subscribers, but only 1 million SIM cards are available. It remains uncertain how many SIM cards will be allocated to MVNO providers in this situation.
In particular, MVNO providers adopting non-face-to-face application methods are facing even more challenges due to the absence of accessible agencies. Online exchanges are also not proceeding smoothly.
Izmobile has switched to a temporary site due to a surge in traffic, but its SIM card exchange application service page remains closed.
Tplus is accepting SIM card replacement requests but has informed that it may take over a month. Pretty Mobile has also issued delay notices.
Some providers, such as LG Hello Mobile and KB Lib Mobile, have only provided information about signing up for "SIM Protection Services" without any further guidance, leading to increased customer dissatisfaction. As a result, many SKT MVNO users are reportedly considering switching to other carriers.
Meanwhile, it is known that the number of MVNO subscribers using the SKT network has reached 1.84 million.
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