Kim Young-shub, the KT CEO, said he is preparing to replace USIM chips for all former customers. Kim said he would announce the details after the KT board meeting on Dec. 4.
Kim made the remarks in response to a question about whether all subscribers' USIM chips would be replaced, while appearing at the National Assembly Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee comprehensive audit on the afternoon of the 29th.
On the day, Hwang Jeong-a, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "KT made a promise but is not keeping it," and noted, "It said it would review replacing USIM chips for all customers, but a week has passed with no word one way or the other."
In response, Kim said, "We have made various preparations to replace USIMs for all customers. It is almost in the final stage." Referring to the "USIM chaos" during the SK Telecom hacking incident, Kim said, "We must also secure sufficient inventory because it should not cause long lines like last time or other inconveniences."
Kim added, "There is one step we must take now," noting, "We need to discuss it at the board." Kim said a board meeting is expected around Nov. 4 and added, "If the board approves it, we will implement it immediately."
Kim, however, again refrained from commenting on whether penalty fees would be waived for all customers.
On the day, Lee Hoon-gi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "SK Telecom waived penalty fees for all customers who ported their numbers, acknowledging fault for violating the duty to provide safe telecom services even though hacking victims had not been confirmed," and added, "If KT subscribers are porting their numbers because they feel uneasy, it should of course be granted."
In response, Kim said, "We are providing compensation to 22,227 customers who suffered damage, and we are considering the overall situation for all customers," and added, "We will decide after comprehensively assessing the findings of the joint investigation team or police probe and the details of customer damage."