(Cambodia, 2nd) Starting from January 1, 2026, Cambodia will officially launch commercial operations for fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G). In the first phase, the coverage will include 15 provinces and cities nationwide, including the capital Phnom Penh, marking the entry of this Southeast Asian country's communication technology into a new era of high speed, massive connectivity, and low latency.
According to a report by China News Service, the Cambodian Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications announced on December 31, 2025, that starting from midnight on January 1, 2026, users of the three major mainstream telecom operators—Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart—will be able to use 5G network services in the areas covered in the initial phase. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications said that as of December 31, 2025, the 5G infrastructure construction by the three major telecom operators had already taken shape.
According to the arrangement, in the first phase, the three major telecom operators' 5G service coverage will include key areas in provinces (cities) such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Takeo, Prey Veng, Kratie, Pursat, Stung Treng, and Kampot. Thereafter, in accordance with the plan, the coverage will continue to be expanded step by step, gradually extending to all provinces nationwide.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications stated that the introduction of 5G services will help promote the digital transformation of Cambodia's economy and society and improve the efficiency of digital public services. This is highly in line with the first phase goals of the Cambodian government's "Pentagon Strategy." It will become the cornerstone of Cambodia's digital future and technological innovation.
