Korean telecom firms to fix gift voucher expiry notices
The three carriers will clarify validity periods on internet sign-up forms and notify customers before vouchers expire, following a lawmaker's review of unused vouchers.
South Korea's three major telecom carriers have agreed to improve how they inform customers about the validity periods of mobile gift vouchers given as internet sign-up rewards, and to set up a system for notifying users before those vouchers expire, according to Digital Today.
The companies will state validity periods and terms of use clearly on sign-up applications and when sending mobile vouchers, and plan to have the advance-notice system in place within the year. They will also pursue measures to reissue expired vouchers or extend their use period when a customer requests it.
The commitment follows a review that found no operator specified a voucher's validity period or what happens on expiry on its internet sign-up form. LG Uplus was the only carrier that provided separate notice before a voucher's validity period ended.
Average annual non-use rates for mobile vouchers came to 5.6% in 2023, 5.2% in 2024 and 5.4% in 2025, roughly 5.4% over the three years. Mobile voucher validity periods ranged from 60 days to about one year, depending on the type.
The office of lawmaker Kim Jang-gyeom, a member of the National Assembly's science, ICT, broadcasting and communications committee, estimated that unused vouchers last year were worth at least 25 billion won and as much as 42 billion won.
Quick answers
What did the telecom carriers agree to change?
They will state voucher validity periods and terms of use on sign-up forms and when sending vouchers, notify customers before expiry, and consider reissuing expired vouchers or extending their use period on request.
How much were unused mobile vouchers worth?
The lawmaker's office estimated unused vouchers last year at between 25 billion won and 42 billion won.
When will the advance-notice system be introduced?
The carriers plan to have it in place within the year.