CYBER ERA: Catalyzing the Digital Economy

SK Telecom (SKT) followed South Korean rivals in cutting tariffs, introducing online-only mobile price plans offering 5G and LTE customers about a 30 per cent discount on existing fees. Six contract-free tariffs are set to be launched on 15 January: in a statement, SKT explained the move is a response to consumers’ preference for non-face-to-face channels, enabling it to reduce distribution and marketing expenses, and pass the savings to customers. Head of SKT’s marketing group, Han Myung-jin said the operator will focus on introducing “diverse types of new mobile plans...

After over two decades of record high growth, Panama is facing a sharp economic contraction following months of pandemic-related lockdowns. With support from the IMF, the government is combating the economic shock, but with a second wave of contagion potentially underway, the country is using the precautionary liquidity line as an insurance policy against new shocks. Qualifying for the precautionary line requires sound economic fundamentals and institutional policy frameworks, and a good track record of economic performance. IMF Country Focus spoke with ALEJANDRO SANTOS, about the country’s outlook. IMF COUNTRY...