LG Uplus is expanding its membership benefits overseas and plans to launch a service this year offering shopping, tourism and transport discounts at travel destinations through partnerships with global telecom operators. It has joined the Wonderjoy Travel Alliance and completed a pilot programme in Japan. During the pilot, more than 10,000 coupons were downloaded and nine out of 10 users redeemed Don Quijote and Lawson discounts. The company plans an app-based service and will consider links to travel-related services.

South Korea’s 3G mobile service is entering an exit phase after SK Telecom halted new sign-ups and KT began preparing to do the same. The move blocks new users but does not shut down the 3G network, which will continue operating for existing subscribers. A full shutdown requires carriers to submit user-protection plans to the Ministry of Science and ICT and receive approval. 3G phone lines stand at 328,124, about 0.6 percent of total.