Korean Job Discussion Forums

[krats1976]

I don't know what the problem is, but I seem to be running into walls no matter what I try to do lately.

The latest issue is KTF. Service at my apt is absolute crap--I have to practically hang out the window to get even one measly little bar of service.

So, I call KTF today to ask them to install one of those little box antannae thingies like this:



The lady tells me you have to be a "gold" member to get one & there's nothing they can do. I say that I'll change my service to another company--back home that usually gets results. She's completely unfazed. So, a Korean friend calls for me & they tell her that they used to do that, but they've now changed their policy and don't do it anymore.

GRRRRR.

Anyone had this come up? What'd you do about it?

[Jeonnam Jinx]

Do exactly what you threatened to do and quit their service. Maybe you can even get your "incentive money" from another carrier if you've had your phone long enough.

We may not have much power in Korea, but we have our personal purchasing power. It may not make much difference to their total profits if you stop using their service, but you may get some gratification from knowing they won't get your hard-earned won.

[IlIlNine]

I've always had good service from KTF. They are probably the most foreign-friendly mobile phone carrier in the country. I've never had to leave any deposit or anything for my monthly service, a/s has always been quick and good...

Sucks that you're having trouble - but there's no need to get all angry about it. If they don't meet your needs, just switch carriers. Why the drama?

Obviously it costs them money to put one of those antennas in - and if they won't get any kind of return on their investment, why would they do it?

Am I an apologist now?

[laogaiguk]

[krats1976]

[krats1976]

[Hapkido-In]

I find that KTF has the worst reception of the major telephone companies in Korea. I used to hang out with one of my friends in his officetell place in the basement of building. I could get no reception at all in the place. He used SK and got perfect reception.

I suggest asking around the building to other tenants and asking them what service they use and how their reception is, then changing carriers.

I think you can even keep your phone number when you switch carriers.

[krats1976]

[Jeonnam Jinx]

[quote] haven't looked into yet.. but can I use the same phone? At home, you have to get a new phone if you switch from say AT&T to Sprint. /quote]

Actually, I don't think you can use the same phone, but I may be wrong. If I am wrong, someone please correct me because I wouldn't mind keeping my current one.

However, if you switch and you get a new phone (or sometimes a perfectly good used one) and pay monthly installments, then it could be worth doing, especially if you just get a regular cell without all the added incentives with mp3 player, TV, and so on.

FYI, I think you need to have been using your current phone carrier for a certain period before you can switch (maybe 18 months at least = again, any corrections welcome ). For example, I can change my carrier in one month's time, and they will pay 100,000 won towards a new phone.

If you can get a Korean friend's help, it could also be beneficial. A lot of added services can be removed from your phone to save some money... such as call waiting, caller ID and so on, depending on how important those are to you or if saving money is important. You sound, however, as if you just want some quality reception for once.

As well, if you plan on using your phone to call a specific 3 or 4 numbers the majority of the time, you can get discounts on those calls if you request. There are lots of different packages in a variety of price ranges.

[krats1976]