SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile carrier, has put in place a personal data protection system for consumers subscribing to the company’s mobile network services.

The system will be used at some 2,200 nationwide retail stores certified by SK Telecom where customers can sign up for its services or purchase new mobile phones without filling out paper forms.

They also can use its security system to request product information or consultation via tablet PCs such as Apple’s iPads or Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Tabs prior to visiting such stores.

Any personal information such as address and phone number submitted by existing or new customers will not be left on record at SK Telecom stores.

The establishment of the system is part of efforts not only to boost security of customer information but also to help the environment by saving paper.

In February this year, SK Telecom promised its customers it would improve services by developing a “paperless” system that can further protect their personal data amid a string of security breaches and customer data misplacement at Korean companies.

The telecom giant has been testing the system at its stores since September last year.

The system will be able to save some 2 million sheets of paper at every store per month, which had been used to sign up new customers who either purchased mobile phones or subscribed to its networks.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)