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Three mobile carriers. Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] The nationwide wired internet access disruption has been resolved. The three major internet service providers (ISPs) — SK Broadband, KT, and LG Uplus — are assessing the scale of the damage and considering compensation plans.
According to industry reports on the 6th, the issues affecting internet and IPTV (internet TV) services have now been resolved. The disruption, which began at 4:57 PM on the 5th, was fixed by 9:58 PM the same day. However, the exact extent of the damage has yet to be determined.
Telecommunications authorities and the ISPs suspect that the issue arose due to an error during a security update for certain wireless access points (APs), which relay wired network signals wirelessly. These wireless APs, commonly used in offices and homes, function as Wi-Fi routers to provide wireless access to wired networks. The problematic AP devices are reported to be less than 100,000 units in the country.
SK Broadband apologized, stating, "We sincerely apologize to our customers for the significant inconvenience caused by the software malfunction of specific AP devices. We will ensure thorough pre-inspections and management to provide stable services in the future."
KT also issued a notice saying, "The issue affecting the internet access of two specific brands of wireless AP devices has been resolved. For users still experiencing connection issues, we recommend turning the device off and on again."
Both SK Broadband and KT will compensate affected customers by deducting one day's service fee, as per their terms of service. According to their policies, if a customer experiences a service disruption for more than two consecutive hours or if the accumulated service outage time exceeds 12 hours in a month, the companies are required to automatically refund the service fee based on the number of days the service was unavailable.
LG Uplus stated that it did not supply the problematic AP devices. However, for subscribers who purchased personal routers and experienced connection issues, the company is advising them to reset the device or update its software. LG Uplus clarified that since the devices were privately installed by users, these cases do not qualify for compensation.
Subscribers may seek compensation if they find the company's compensation measures inadequate after the cause of the disruption is fully identified.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
