SK Telecom is offering a free music streaming service for a month, which began Saturday, to small business owners nationwide, enabling unlimited in-store play of some 2,000 songs, including Christmas carols.
The company will offer a one-month pass for the music streaming service to small business owners who apply for the benefit at sktxmas.shopcast.kr.
The mobile carrier said that during the trial period it will bear copyright fees that shop owners are required to pay to copyright holders in accordance with the size of their stores and type of business.
Songs to be offered for free include popular Christmas carols such as "Jingle Bells," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "White Christmas."
SK Telecom said owners of any small business, including cafes, pubs and gyms, can apply for the service. Franchises can enjoy the benefits after consulting with franchise owners.
The firm said the service is part of its project aimed at revitalizing the nation's economy.
According to Shopcast, a provider of music for shops, sales increase by about 25 percent when shop owners play timely music.
The company said the service is expected to stimulate the regional economy and create more social value.
SK Telecom will also operate a "Carol Trucks" that move around shopping districts in Seoul and distribute gifts to children until Dec. 25. The trucks will then join year-end events to be held at the firm's 5GX Boost Parks it has set up nationwide.
On Thursday, the company offered Bluetooth speakers to shop owners based in Myeong-dong, one of the nation's most popular shopping districts. Beneficiaries were owners of small shops of less than 13 square meters in floor space.
"We hope customers can feel happy while listening to Christmas carols," SK Telecom CEO Park Jung-ho said. "We will continue to carry out this kind of project to enhance the nation's music industry and social value in the long term."
Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/12/133_280597.html