5 days Ago By Jung So-yeon
SK telecom (SKT) announced on April 15 that, in collaboration with its subsidiary SK telink, it has launched the world's first 'T In-Flight Wi-Fi Automatic Roaming' service, continuing the evolution of roaming technology. This service allows passengers to automatically connect to in-flight Wi-Fi without any additional authentication or code entry after registering just once prior to boarding. Unlike the previous 'T In-Flight Wi-Fi' service that required voucher input, this new service utilizes 'Passpoint' automatic authentication technology, providing a significantly simpler user experience.
Typically, in-flight Wi-Fi requires separate application through the airline's website, or going through membership registration and authentication processes on board, which can be cumbersome. SKT has streamlined this process, allowing customers to pre-register through the T Roaming website or at airport roaming centers for instant internet access upon boarding. Currently, the automatic roaming service is available on select Korean Air routes, with plans to gradually expand the service across more aircraft in collaboration with domestic airlines.
The existing voucher system is available on Korean Air as well as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Etihad Airways. The service offers pricing based on flight distance: long-haul (29,700 KRW), medium-haul (19,800 KRW), short-haul (17,600 KRW), and ultra-short-haul (8,800 KRW). There is no price difference between the automatic roaming and voucher methods.
Notably, the ultra-short-haul rate applies only to routes under two hours, such as Osaka and Fukuoka. Additionally, SKT has extended a promotion offering Wi-Fi discounts to 'baro plan' users until June. For example, users of the 24GB plan can access in-flight Wi-Fi for free, while 12GB plan users receive a 50% discount, and 6GB and 3GB plan users receive 20% discounts, respectively.
Lee Seong-chul, head of SK telink's International Business Division, stated, "We will expand collaborations with global satellite operators and airlines to offer our services on more flights.".
