A 16-year-old student living in Iksan, located in the country’s southwest, killed himself Feb. 15 after receiving a bill for about 3.7 million won (US$3,811; euro3,212) in data charges for playing games on his mobile phone, said Iksan police officer Park Byoung-gu.

In response, mobile phone operators said they would create new billing plans allowing for unlimited data usage at a reasonable cost.

Leading mobile phone company SK Telecom said it would offer an unlimited data plan for 30,000 won (US$31; euro26) a month, while provider KTF will cap the data costs at 26,000 won (US$27; euro23).

Customers would still be charged regular rates for calls.

South Koreans have embraced mobile technology and can also use their phones for downloading music, navigating roads and electronic banking.