Cambodia is preparing to launch 5G internet technology to support digital government, digital citizenship, and digital businesses, driving digital transformation across the country’s economy and society. Generated by AI
Prime Minister Hun Manet has authorised the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to launch a fifth-generation (5G) internet system, and is currently considering an appropriate time for its official rollout.
He noted that will support digital government, digital citizenship and digital businesses, while driving Cambodia’s digital transformation.
He made the announcement as he addressed the closing ceremony of a conference held to summarise the progress of the 2020-2024 digital transformation and outline the future direction of the telecommunications ministry.
The event took place on the afternoon of Thursday, February 6, in Phnom Penh.
“During the seventh mandate, we can establish an undersea internet connection, which has been delayed for a long time. Our internet usage has not decreased – it has increased. Therefore, we must enhance bandwidth and expand network coverage,” said the prime minister.
Cheang Sopheak, director-general of the ministry’s Directorate General of Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, presented key insights into 5G technology, including its benefits and challenges.
The rollout of 5G mobile technology is set to transform Cambodia’s digital landscape, bringing ultra-fast data speeds, low latency and seamless connectivity to businesses and consumers alike, he explained.
“With gigabit-per-second (GB/s) data transfer rates, 5G will enable innovations such as 3D and Ultra HD video streaming, smart home and smart city applications, and next-generation gaming experiences,” he said.
He also highlighted its potential to drive advancements in augmented and virtual reality, industrial automation and self-driving vehicles.
Additionally, the technology is expected to enhance remote healthcare services and telemedicine, improving access to medical care across the country.
In the short to medium term, 5G will primarily focus on Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) to ease data congestion in urban areas.
Over the long term, it will enable Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), supporting Internet of Things (IoT) applications in agriculture, smart cities and building management.
The primary impact of electromagnetic waves on human cells is thermal, leading to an insignificant temperature increase of less than 1°C, which poses no health risk.Generated by AI
“Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) will facilitate industrial automation and advanced healthcare services,” said Sopheak.
A major component of 5G deployment in Cambodia is the 3.5 GHz frequency band, which is currently unused by 2G, 3G and 4G networks.
It plays a critical role in delivering high-speed broadband and supports multiple users efficiently.
“According to GSMA studies, this mid-band frequency provides coverage similar to the 2.6 GHz band and contributes to 63% of the expected 5G-driven GDP growth by 2030,” added Sopheak.
By allocating blocks of 100 MHz, 5G in Cambodia could achieve peak download speeds of 20 Gbps and an average download speed of 100 Mbps, significantly improving connectivity.
He noted that Cambodia is making steady progress toward 5G deployment, with (MPTC) expanding 4G infrastructure and securing key radio frequencies.
The ministry has sought government approval to reserve the 3.5 GHz band for mobile services and is managing the 700 MHz frequency for future 5G use.
A dedicated task force is also drafting a spectrum management plan and overseeing digital TV investments to clear the 700 MHz band, ensuring a smooth transition to next-generation connectivity.
“Despite steady progress, Cambodia faces key challenges in its 5G rollout, including interference with Vietnamese satellites in the 3.5 GHz band and delays in freeing up the 700 MHz spectrum due to ongoing analogue TV use,” explained Sopheak.
To overcome these hurdles, the ministry is strengthening cross-border coordination with Vietnam, implementing technical shielding measures, and expediting the digital TV transition to clear the 700 MHz band for 5G deployment.
One of the key topics addressed was public concern regarding possible side effects to public health due to mobile phone antennas.
The prime minister assured citizens that they should not be concerned about any adverse health effects from the electromagnetic waves used in wireless technology.
Citing a study by the WHO, he explained that there is no scientific evidence linking mobile phone antennas to health risks.
“If there were any real effects, all developed countries would have stopped using mobile phones. However, the placement of antennas must be carefully planned, just like the development of infrastructure master plans,” he said.
Sopheak noted the primary impact of electromagnetic waves on human cells is thermal, leading to an insignificant temperature increase of less than 1°C, which poses no health risk.
He also referenced the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which confirmed that mobile communication services operating within standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) are safe.
Additionally, the higher the frequency, the lower the ability of electromagnetic waves to penetrate body cells, reducing energy absorption.
To support the digital economy, the ministry has been investing heavily in infrastructure, including new antenna stations in Phnom Penh and across the provinces.
“Despite some challenges – such as cooperation issues for antenna station locations and concerns over health impacts – the ministry continues to prioritise the expansion of digital infrastructure,” added Chea Vandeth, telecommunications minister.
