In a joint statement, SK Broadband said it “agreed to end all disputes and work together as partners for the future,” without elaborating. SK Broadband and Netflix have been embroiled in a legal dispute for years over network usage fees.
SK Broadband has called Netflix a “freeloader” for refusing to pay for its network usage despite the streaming service causing massive traffic congestion. Netflix traffic on its network exploded from 50 Gbps in May 2018 to 1,200 Gbps in September 2021 due to the popularity of “Squid Game” and other Korean series, according to the carrier.
However, Netflix argued that SK Broadband was demanding double payment because users were also paying for the network.
In June 2021, a local court ruled in favor of the South Korean company, saying it was “reasonable” for Netflix to provide something for its service. Netflix appealed the decision and the lawsuit is pending.
Meanwhile, following the agreement, SK Broadband, SK Telecom and Netflix signed a strategic partnership to jointly strengthen customer service.
SK Broadcom and SK Telecom will launch a new service to let their pay TV and mobile subscribers watch Netflix from the first half of 2024.
(According to Yonhap)
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