Disgruntled Customers Flock to Competitors: SK Telecom Sheds 70,000 Subscribers
Rewritten Article:
People huddle outside an SK Telecom retail store in Seoul on April 29, waiting to swap out their SIM cards. [YONHAP]
What's Happening?
SK Telecom announced a massive SIM card overhaul following a cyberattack that exposed user data. The South Korean telecom giant is footing the bill for replacements, offering to exchange SIM cards for free.
The Big Picture:
- The cyberattack compromised personal data, forcing SK Telecom to take action and replace SIM cards as a precautionary measure. While the full extent of the damage remains undisclosed, the company is scrambling to mitigate potential risks associated with the breach and win back customer trust.
- As part of their response, SK Telecom launched the "USIM Protection Service", aimed at blocking unauthorized network access from unknown devices. However, this service faced criticism due to its complexity and limitations with international roaming.
Overcoming the SIM Card Shortage:
- To combat the shortage of SIM cards in the wake of the data breach, SK Telecom has proposed the "USIM format" as a solution. The term "USIM format" refers to the type of SIM card SK Telecom employs. With initial replacement stock less than 5% available, SK Telecom set up a website allowing customers to join a waitlist for replacement SIMs. By May's end, an additional five million SIM chips are expected to be obtained.
- Customers can sign up for replacements via an online portal (https://care.tworld.co.kr/usim/). The process involves providing personal details and waiting for stock availability.
Tips for SK Telecom Users:
Before jumping into the swap:
- Fret not, backup your contacts and valuable data to keep them safe throughout the SIM swap process.
- Consider registering for SK Telecom’s "USIM Protection Service" to boost security, though be aware of its limitations.
- Look up your device's compatibility with the new SIM format to prevent any hiccups.
- To dodge the lengthy queues at carrier stores, pop in earlier in the day.
Swapping your SIM:
- Head to SK Telecom’s SIM replacement website (https://care.tworld.co.kr/usim/).
- Adhere to the on-site instructions to request a new SIM.
- Once notified that your SIM is ready, visit a nearby store for the swap.
Double-check after the swap:
- Test your mobile service to make sure it's in working order post-swap.
- Ensure all settings, such as Wi-Fi and mobile networks, are updated to suit your fresh SIM.
- SK Telecom proposes the use of the USIM format, the type of SIM card they employ, as a solution to combat the SIM card shortage due to the cyberattack.
- Customers can sign up for new SIM cards via an online portal (https://care.tworld.co.kr/usim/) and are advised to look up their device's compatibility with the new SIM format.
- To avoid lengthy queues at carrier stores, customers are suggested to visit the stores earlier in the day for their SIM card swap.
- After completing the SIM swap, customers should test their mobile service and update their settings, such as Wi-Fi and mobile networks, to ensure everything is working correctly.
