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List of Mobile Operators in Cambodia

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Mobile operators in Cambodia play a crucial role in providing telecommunications services to the country's population. Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, has experienced significant growth in its mobile telecommunications sector. In this discussion, we will explore the major mobile operators in Cambodia, their ownership, services, market share, and the regulatory environment in which they operate:

  1. Smart Axiata (Smart):
    • Ownership: Smart Axiata, commonly known as Smart, is one of the largest mobile operators in Cambodia. It is a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad, a Malaysian telecommunications conglomerate.
    • Services: Smart offers a wide range of mobile services, including voice, data, mobile money (SmartLuy), and value-added services. They have invested in expanding their network infrastructure, providing 2G, 3G, and 4G services.
    • Market Share: Smart holds a significant market share and is a dominant player in the Cambodian telecommunications industry.
  2. Cellcard (CamGSM):
    • Ownership: Cellcard, formerly known as CamGSM, is a major mobile operator in Cambodia. It is a subsidiary of Royal Group, a Cambodian conglomerate with interests in various sectors.
    • Services: Cellcard provides mobile services, including voice, data, and various value-added services. They have expanded their network infrastructure to offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services.
    • Market Share: Cellcard is a prominent competitor in the Cambodian market and actively competes with other operators.
  3. Metfone:
    • Ownership: Metfone is a mobile operator in Cambodia and is a subsidiary of the Vietnamese military-owned telecommunications company Viettel Group.
    • Services: Metfone offers mobile services, including voice, data, and value-added services. They have also invested in expanding their network infrastructure, providing 2G, 3G, and 4G services.
    • Market Share: Metfone is a significant player in the Cambodian telecommunications industry, catering to a substantial customer base.
  4. CooTel:
    • Ownership: CooTel is a smaller mobile operator in Cambodia, serving specific regions and niche markets.
    • Services: CooTel offers mobile services, including voice and data. While it may not have the nationwide presence of larger operators, it focuses on providing services to select areas.
    • Niche Focus: CooTel caters to niche customer segments and specific geographic areas.
  5. Regulatory Environment:
    • The regulatory authority overseeing the telecommunications sector in Cambodia is the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC). TRC is responsible for ensuring fair competition, licensing, and quality of service in the telecommunications industry.
    • The government has a stake in the telecommunications sector and may influence ownership and management, particularly in state-owned enterprises.

The competitive landscape among these mobile operators in Cambodia has led to the expansion of services and network coverage, benefiting the local population with improved telecommunications options and access to digital services. The availability of mobile money services, such as SmartLuy, has contributed to financial inclusion and digital payment options for the people of Cambodia.

The Cambodian telecommunications sector is undergoing rapid growth, with investments in network infrastructure and advanced services. It plays a crucial role in the country's economic and social development, connecting urban and rural areas and facilitating communication and commerce. The government's involvement in the sector ensures a balance between private and state-owned operators in the market.