[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] South Korea’s telecommunications industry is offering reduced rates to aid in the rapid recovery of Nepal, which has suffered massive flood damage. The companies will fully waive roaming charges for emergency relief teams and medical personnel dispatched to the region and reduce international call rates from South Korea to Nepal by 50 percent.

SKTelecom(017670)The three major mobile carriers— KTCorporation(030200), and LG Uplus(032640) —announced that they will fully waive roaming charges for emergency relief teams, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical personnel, and other personnel dispatched to the disaster sites in Nepal.

This measure is intended to alleviate the financial burden of voice and data usage for relief personnel while they carry out rescue and recovery operations on-site, thereby supporting smooth communication and on-the-ground response efforts.

International call rate reductions will also be implemented for residents in South Korea who have family or acquaintances in Nepal. Participating carriers—including KTCorporation (001), LG Uplus (002), SK Broadband (005), SK Telink (00700), and SKNetworksCo.,Ltd (008)—will offer a 50% discount on international calls made to local numbers in Nepal.

The discount period runs from August 21 to September 20. The period may be adjusted flexibly depending on the local damage situation.

The telecommunications industry expects this support to aid local recovery efforts, as maintaining communication networks and contact systems is essential for rescue and relief operations during disasters.

Relief support from private companies and organizations is also continuing. HyundaiMotor Group donated $500,000 to the Korean Red Cross for relief and recovery efforts in flood-affected areas in Nepal and Tibet. The Asan Social Welfare Foundation also delivered $200,000 through the Korean Red Cross to support flood victims in Nepal.

HyundaiMotor Group’s donation will be used for local relief efforts and recovery from the damage, while the Asan Foundation’s donation will be used for emergency relief and the restoration of daily life for affected residents, including food, daily necessities, and medical support.

An official from the telecommunications industry stated, “Maintaining a smooth telecommunications infrastructure and communication systems is essential to overcoming a national disaster,” adding, “We hope this support will provide practical assistance in quickly stabilizing the flood-affected areas in Nepal and aiding the displaced residents.”