Cambodia Prepares for Nationwide 5G Rollout Beginning in 2026
Cambodia is entering a new era of digital advancement as Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth confirmed that 5G services will begin operating in 2026 across Phnom Penh and five selected provinces. Announced during the Cambodia Internet Governance Forum 2025 on 6 December 2025, this major technology milestone reflects years of preparation and significant investment planning by telecom operators. The Minister explained that providers have established detailed strategies to ensure strong and reliable network performance, outlining a commitment to build up to five hundred antenna towers each year per operator. Over a three year period, this expansion is expected to reach two thousand towers, ultimately strengthening both 4G and 5G coverage for users nationwide.
Official Launch Marks a Turning Point for Cambodia’s Digital Future
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications formally introduced Cambodia’s 5G mobile service operations on 5 December 2025 in an event chaired by His Excellency Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers. This official launch symbolizes more than the arrival of a new generation of mobile connectivity. It represents a crucial step in Cambodia’s long term digital development strategy as the country aims to strengthen communication infrastructure, enhance access to services, and create new opportunities for growth across both public and private sectors.
Transformative Benefits Expected from 5G Technology
The adoption of 5G technology is set to deliver transformative advantages that go far beyond faster internet. With data speeds expected to be up to ten times quicker than current 4G networks, users will experience smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and improved digital service performance. The near real time responsiveness of 5G will allow critical operations to function more efficiently, benefiting areas such as emergency response and intelligent traffic management. The technology also offers exceptional capacity to support millions of devices within a concentrated area, enabling the expansion of smart cities, digital agriculture solutions, and technologically advanced manufacturing processes. These improvements collectively promise to stimulate innovation across logistics, fintech, e commerce, and startup ecosystems while strengthening essential e services for education, health, and government. The broader impact includes enhanced competitiveness, new job creation, and greater appeal for foreign and local investment.
A Strategic Foundation for Cambodia’s Digital Transformation
More than a simple improvement in mobile speed, 5G is positioned to become the central backbone of Cambodia’s digital transformation journey. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has already completed extensive studies on deployment strategies and has gathered insights from every telecom operator to ensure a coordinated national approach. Ongoing collaborations between the Ministry and network providers aim to guarantee a smooth and effective rollout of 5G services across the country. As Cambodia continues to evolve socially and economically, the introduction of 5G stands as a pivotal step in meeting future demands and unlocking new possibilities for digital innovation.