LG Uplus has become the first South Korean operator to backtrack on a stand-off with upcoming VoIP application Kakao Talk, and lift all restrictions on mobile use of the service.
LG Uplus, SK Telecom and KT had been restricting use of the service, which started testing on Monday, Korea Timesreported.
But LG Uplus yesterday revealed it has withdrawn limitations on access, and has decided to allow use of the service with no restrictions or extra fees.
The decision will put pressure on SK Telecom and KT, which restrict access to Kakao talk and have been vocal opponents of the service.
An SK Telecom official told the newspaper that voice calls account for around 80% of the operator's revenue, so the potential impact of VoIP services would be huge. He said it is “only logical” to limit access and require additional fees from customers using the service.
SK Telecom and KT both currently charge extra fees for limited access of the use of VoIP services including Skype.
A KT official told the Times the company plans to continue this policy with VoIP applications including Kakao Talk.