SK Telecom Ends 3G Sign-ups, 23 Years After Launch in South Korea

SK Telecom is halting new subscriptions to its 3G mobile service, 23 years after it first launched the network in 2003. Starting on the 20th, the South Korean carrier will stop accepting new sign-ups, number portability requests, and device changes — including SIM swaps — for 3G handsets and LTE devices that route voice calls over the 3G network. The company cited declining 3G subscribers and traffic, aging handsets and equipment, and the broader shift toward next-generation networks as reasons for the move. While 3G helped popularize video calls and mobile internet, subscriber numbers and data usage have steadily fallen as 4G and 5G adoption has grown. The company said it will continue to strengthen network quality and service competitiveness so that all customers can enjoy more stable and convenient communication services.