[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ] SKTelecom(017670)will implement an integrated rate plan starting on the 2nd, effectively combining its LTE and 5G plans into a single system. The key changes include streamlining the complex lineup of 67 existing plans into 16 categories and applying QoS (Quality of Service), which ensures uninterrupted service even after data allowances are exhausted, across all tiers. However, some experts point out that customers who use less than 10GB of data per month may find the new plans disadvantageous, so they should carefully weigh the pros and cons based on their individual lifestyles.

The Optimal Choice for “Heavy Users” and “OTT/AI Enthusiasts”… The “Best” Plans

Users who have fixed monthly expenses for YouTube Premium or Netflix, or who need truly unlimited data, should take a closer look at the “Smartphone Best” plan series.

The lineup consists of five plans ranging from 89,000 won per month (Best 89) to 129,000 won (Best Max), all of which include completely unlimited data and T-Membership VIP status as standard. Additionally, depending on the monthly plan tier, users can directly select and bundle the services they want from options such as Google AI Pro/Plus, YouTube Premium, Netflix, Disney+, TVING & WAVVE, and T Universe lifestyle benefits.

This tier is ideal for users who want to enjoy key OTT benefits and unlimited data at a reasonable price. In addition to completely unlimited data (with an 80GB limit on sharing and tethering), users receive free service for two smart devices, such as a smartwatch or tablet.

For example, a customer looking for the most affordable unlimited plan who subscribes to Netflix Standard (with ads) can choose the Best 89 plan, which offers a 50% discount, and with the 25% discount for a fixed-term contract, use it for 66,750 won.

The AI & Media Full Package is ideal for smart workers and heavy media users who want to leverage the latest generative AI services for work while also enjoying YouTube Premium, Netflix Standard, and other services.

It includes completely unlimited data (with a 120GB limit on sharing and tethering) and two free smart device lines as standard, and customers can select one Google AI Plan (either Pro or Plus) and one major OTT service to bundle for a monthly fee in the 1,000 won range (starting from 0 won with promotions applied). According to SKT, this plan can save users tens of thousands of won per month compared to subscribing to these services individually.

"6GB of data a month is enough"—Get membership benefits with the Light 39 plan

If you rely heavily on Wi-Fi and don’t necessarily need additional media services, the “Smartphone Light Plan”—which eliminates worries about extra charges after you’ve used up your data—could be a good alternative. All Light plans offer unlimited voice calls to landlines and mobile phones.

This plan is ideal for the average office worker who enjoys watching videos or playing mobile games while commuting on public transportation.

The “Light 69” plan (69,000 won per month)—a popular choice among office workers—offers a generous 110GB of base data over six months. Even after using up all your data, you can continue to stream high-definition videos without restrictions at a speed of 5 Mbps, making it effectively “unlimited with peace of mind.”

Users who primarily use their smartphones for messaging, web browsing, and social media and want to lower their monthly bill to around 30,000 won can opt for the “Light 39” plan (39,000 won per month). It provides 6GB of base data, and once that is used up, the speed is capped at 400 kbps.

Additionally, young adults (age 34 and under) and active-duty military personnel are eligible for further discounts. Young customers on the Best Plan lineup automatically receive an extra 20GB of data each month—in addition to their standard data sharing and tethering limits—without having to apply separately. By combining this with the exclusive discount program for military personnel on mandatory service, they can receive an additional 20% discount on their monthly fee, on top of the contract discount.

Existing Bundle Subscribers Should Proceed with Caution… ‘Whole Family Bundle’ to Stop Accepting New Subscribers at the End of This Month

Subscribers currently receiving family-based discount benefits should carefully review their bundle terms this month. SKT’s flagship legacy product, the

“Whole Family

Bundle”—which required a mobile and internet bundle—will only accept new subscribers until July 31.

Starting August 1, it will be completely replaced by the “Modern Family Bundle,” a simplified plan that bundles only mobile lines, excluding internet service. Since the total monthly discount per household and long-term preferential terms may change significantly with this transition, existing subscribers need to thoroughly calculate the pros and cons of these changes and plan accordingly.