Updated: 06/26/2000
LGIC offers to exchange old wireless phones for Web-enabled phones
Starting today, LG Information and Communications (LGIC) is offering to exchange old wireless handset models for the newer Web-enabled phones for around 100,000 won.
During a month-long promotion period which ends July 25, holders of old LGIC Cyon, previously known as Cion, models can go to any of the five wireless operator outlets or an LG Cyon shop, turn in their older models and get the new Web-enabled Cyon models for around 100,000 won.
However, buyers may not switch operators when they get the new wireless handsets, meaning their choice of models is limited to those that can support the service provided by their operators.
The novel way of circumventing the government-ordered ban on handset subsidies by service operators comes at a time when LG TeleCom, which launched a new mobile Internet service called ez-i last month, has been seeking new marketing strategies to attract mobile Internet users in the face of higher costs of the Web-enabled wireless phones.
"Web-enabled wireless handsets retail for more than 200,000 won and this is an opportunity for wireless subscribers to ride the mobile Internet wave at a low-entry cost," explained an LGIC official.
The governmental ban on wireless handset subsidies by service operators which went into effect at the beginning of the month has depressed the market for handset makers, and the promotion will also serve to lift that market, added the official.
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