Legal Overview on Telecom and ICT Regulatory Framework in Cambodia
Cambodia’s telecom and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors have undergone remarkable transformation over the past decade — driven by market liberalization, private sector investment, and rapid digitalization. Today, the country boasts over 51 licensed telecom operators, mobile penetration exceeding 100%, and more than 20 million internet users, signaling a vibrant and fast-evolving digital landscape.
This guide provides a comprehensive legal overview of the framework governing telecom and ICT operations in Cambodia, covering:
- Regulatory structure and authorities: including the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) and the General Department of ICT (GDICT) under the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC).
- Key operational approvals: licensing categories, application procedures, and compliance obligations under the Law on Telecommunications (2015) and Sub-Decree No. 110 (2017).
- Investment incentives: fiscal benefits available for telecom and ICT projects registered as Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) under Cambodia’s Investment Law (2021).
- Domain name registration and compliance: mandatory “.kh” domain requirements for businesses under Sub-Decree No. 287 (2021).
- Emerging regulations: upcoming laws on personal data protection, cybersecurity, and cybercrime shaping Cambodia’s digital future.
The publication also highlights practical insights for investors and operators — from navigating the complex approval procedures, managing cross-sector engagements between TRC and MPTC, to understanding new compliance standards for infrastructure sharing, frequency spectrum, and ICT services.
Cambodia’s ambition to become a regional digital hub is supported by an increasingly robust legal foundation. As these sectors continue to evolve, understanding their regulatory environment will be critical for both foreign investors entering the market and local enterprises expanding their digital operations.
This legal update is brought to you by Davies SM Attorneys-at-law.