First Municipality to Register as a Basic Telecommunications Service Provider
Expanding Public Wi-Fi to Reduce Living Expenses, ‘[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-a] Seoul Metropolitan Government has become the first municipality nationwide to register as a ‘basic telecommunications service provider’. This will allow Seoul citizens to enjoy more affordable and stable public Wi-Fi outside their homes.’,
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, ‘The Ministry of Science and ICT approved Seoul’s registration as a basic telecommunications service provider on the 27th. Following the amendment of the ‘Telecommunications Business Act’ last year, local governments can pursue Wi-Fi and IoT projects for non-profit purposes, with Seoul being the first to do so.’,
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, ‘Seoul plans to expand public Wi-Fi in citizen living spaces like parks, bus stops, and subway stations, as well as facilities for digital-vulnerable groups.’,
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, ‘In particular, it is expected that young people and low-income groups, who bear the burden of monthly communication costs amounting to tens of thousands of won, will benefit the most.’,
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, ‘Reducing data communication costs, which account for a significant portion of household expenses, will significantly alleviate the burden of living expenses.’,
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, ‘Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Bae Kyung-hoon, stated, “Seoul’s first municipality registration is an important starting point in strengthening citizens’ digital access rights in the AI era,” and expressed hope that other municipalities would follow suit to broaden the foundation for easier access to digital services for residents.’,
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, ‘Seoul’s decision is seen not just as an expansion of Wi-Fi but also as a first step towards alleviating the financial burden on young people and low-income households and advancing ‘communication welfare’.’
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, ‘Moreover, the law passed by the National Assembly last year allows for the registration of basic telecommunications services if municipalities conduct public Wi-Fi and non-profit public interest projects.’,
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, ‘The law requires municipalities seeking to register basic telecommunications services to undergo evaluation on business suitability by external expert institutions. When a city or provincial governor intends to install or modify self-operated telecommunications facilities, they must report to the Minister of Science and ICT.’,
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