[The Chosun Ilbo, February 29 2008] Korea's Mobile Services Becoming Friendlier

A fingernail-sized chip that stores subscriber information is set to change South Korea's mobile phone culture, allowing people to choose which handset they want to use according to their outfit and occasion. In addition, roaming fees in China are expected to be cut by up to 70 percent starting next month.

Korea's second-largest mobile carrier said Thursday that it will lift the "lock-in" function on its universal subscriber identity module (USIM) cards starting next month.

The announcement was made by KTF president Cho Young-chu during a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the company's Show third-generation mobile service.

Market leader SK Telecom also plans to lift the lock-in function for its T Live third-generation service starting March 27.