Military extends trial program for limited mobile phone use at boot camp

▲ This file photo, taken Jan. 31, 2019, shows soldiers using mobile phones on an Army base in Gapyeong, 50 kilometers northeast of Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

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Military extends trial program for limited mobile phone use at boot camp

SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Yonhap) -- The military has extended a trial program for new military conscripts at boot camps to use mobile phones for one hour on weekends and holidays, the defense ministry said Wednesday.

In July, the ministry introduced the six-month trial program as part of efforts to allow conscripts to use mobile phones during their mandatory military service to help them better connect with family members and friends.

The ministry said the program has been extended until it decides on a new policy on mobile phone use after analyzing the program's results and considering measures to address possible security issues and impact on operations.

Conscripts used to be barred from carrying mobile phones for security reasons, but the troops -- except for fresh recruits -- can now use and possess phones from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military in a country facing constant threats from North Korea.

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