In Korea, tariff enables unused smartphone data donations

Hot on the heels of our coverage of DOODAD, the SIM card that offers an alternative data plan for frequent travelers, we’ve come across another innovative package for telecoms consumers. Korea-based network T is offering the LTE Data Gift plan, which enables customers with leftover data allowance at the end of the month to donate it to a contact. Smartphone users often have different needs – some like to use their devices primarily for calling, while others mostly take advantage of their mobile web capabilities. However, many tariffs offer both a set amount of phone time and data usage every month, some of which remains unused at the end of the 30-day period. Rather than let it go to waste, the SK Telecoms subsidiary has launched a plan that allows customers with excess data to donate up to two gigabytes to friends or relatives on the same network. According to the company, some half a million gifts were made in the first 40 days after its launch in January — mostly parents giving to their children. The scheme has helped consumers to put the unused allowance they pay for to good use, wile also building brand loyalty. Are there other ways to engage users while improving data provision to mobile customers?