South Korea to consider allowing soldiers to use private cellphones

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- South Korea will consider allowing soldiers to use private cellphones during off-duty hours, as they help them feel connected, according to a survey by the defense ministry.

The ministry has authorized personal use of mobile phones at 36 units on a trial basis and conducted a survey to soldiers on effects of the use. Soldiers could use mobile phones from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays, Yonhap News reported.

The survey showed that soldiers felt less isolated using the private devices. Some said the smartphones enabled them to search for information for their personal studies, according to Lee Tae-in of the defense ministry's task force team for improving military culture.

The ministry is expected to decide whether they will allow soldiers of all units to private cellphones next month.

Concerns for security have also emerged.

"There has been some violation of rules for cell phone use, such as using it outside allowed hours and using unauthorized cell phones," Lee said.

Allowing cellphone use has a risk of transferring classified military documents, which could undermine military disciplines and national defense power, according to an online petition against the use of private cell phone in the military posted on the presidential website in March.

South Korea requires all men between 18 to 35 to serve in the military for about two years.