South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/10/south_korea_data_access_universal/

South Korea introduces universal basic mobile data access

: Everyone gets unlimited 400 Kbps access, oldies get expanded caps, and leaky telcos get their social license back

The Register

> the scheme will provide over seven million subscribers with unlimited downloads at just 400 kbps after their data allowances expire.

Does this mean it’s not a universal entitlement as such, because you presumably first have to pay for a plan with an allowance? (Not to mention having to pay for a device).

The USA has affordable broadband schemes (I think current setup the gov pays $9.25/mo towards your connection) and IIRC pretty much every broadband provider has a plan at exactly this cost to provide the minimum legal definition of "broadband".