The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 27th that it has approved the registration application for a telecommunications service provider submitted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This is the first time a local government has registered as a telecommunications service provider since the amendment of the Telecommunications Business Act in January last year.
Until the amendment of the Telecommunications Business Act, neither the state nor local governments could directly operate telecommunications services. The regulatory framework was relaxed through legal amendments to allow local governments to register as telecommunications service providers. However, registration is only possible if conditions are met, such as operating public Wi-Fi for non-profit purposes or running Internet of Things (IoT) projects for local government office processes.
Seoul City has been registered as the 'first local government telecommunications service provider.' The city submitted a plan to promote public Wi-Fi services primarily in public places and facilities serving vulnerable digital information populations. The Ministry of Science and ICT found that Seoul City's public Wi-Fi project falls under public utilities, based on a review of the registration criteria established by regulations and the suitability evaluation by external professional agencies. It was also determined that the project is expected to contribute to enhancing citizens' digital access rights and meets the registration requirements.
The Ministry of Science and ICT noted, 'This is expected to become a key example of a digital access rights protection project led by local governments and contribute to the expansion of digital access rights protection policies centered on local governments in the future,' adding, 'It will help alleviate the financial burden on the youth and low-income households, where the household telecommunications costs are significant.'
Minister Bae Kyung-hun said, 'The registration of Seoul City as the first local government telecommunications service provider will serve as a catalyst for enhancing digital accessibility for local residents in the AI era.' He expressed hope that Seoul City's example will lead to increased interest from other local governments and create a foundation for local residents to access digital services more easily.