Suicide Prevention Hotline 109 Available Even When Mobile Phone Service Suspended for Unpaid Bills

Beginning in October, people whose mobile phones have been disconnected due to unpaid communication bills will be able to call the suicide prevention hotline 109.

The Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights, Ministry of Science and ICT, and Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 8th that they will jointly advance institutional improvements to designate the suicide prevention hotline 109 as an emergency communication service.

This measure was established following public feedback submitted through the Presidential Office's social media channels regarding cases where people were unable to access 109 counseling because their mobile phone outgoing calls were suspended due to economic difficulties.

109 is a suicide prevention counseling hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no call charges for callers. However, unlike 112 and 119, it was not designated as an emergency communication service, making it inaccessible from mobile phones with suspended outgoing calls due to unpaid bills.

Emergency communication services are designated by the Ministry of Science and ICT to maintain social order and protect human lives. Telecommunications companies must ensure connections to designated numbers even when outgoing calls are suspended due to bill delinquency.

The Ministry of Science and ICT determined that 109 meets the requirements for emergency communication service designation in protecting national safety and began implementing institutional improvements.

Considering that regulatory amendments typically take approximately three months, the government plans to first advance system development through prior consultations with telecom companies, and apply it from October 1st before the amendment is completed. The administration announcement period will also be shortened from the existing 20 days to 10 days to expedite the amendment process.

Mobile phone manufacturers will also add 109 to the emergency call list and cooperate to enable direct connection from the lock screen. As the operating ministry for 109, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will provide support for matters necessary to operate the emergency communication service.

The government expects this measure to reduce gaps where restrictions on communication services due to economic hardship prevent access to crisis counseling.

전시언 기자 yourside@news-s.kr