On 16 June 2025, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (“MLMUPC”) issued an Instruction No. 001 (“Instruction”) to guide and regulate construction owners, developers, and investors in residential, commercial, industrial, and Special Economic Zone sectors. This Instruction marks a significant step in aligning Cambodia’s infrastructure development with national policies aimed at modernizing the telecommunication network.
Pursuant to the Law on Telecommunication (2015) and Law on Construction (2019), the instruction mandates the integration of telecommunication infrastructure into construction projects to improve efficiency in infrastructure deployment, enhance the quality of public service and accessibility of telecommunication services, and support for socio-economic development throughout Cambodia.
Key highlights of the Instruction No. 001
- Mandatory space allocation for telecommunication Infrastructure:
The Instruction imposes specific requirements for reserving designated space within construction projects to facilitate telecommunication infrastructure, as follows:
- Antenna station sites: construction in residential areas, industrial areas, special economic zones, tourist resorts, and other applicable areas must be reserved for antenna stations. The required land plots include:
- 25m2 (1.5m x 1.5m); and
- 12m2 (either 2m x 6m or 3m x 4m).
- Installing IBS system: commercial buildings, co-owner buildings, shopping malls, and residential buildings must reserve a minimum room of 12m2 (2m x 6m or 3m x 4m) for equipment installation.
- Telecommunication cable network: Developments must integrate cable pathways support as follows:
- transport network,
- mobile service, and
- Last-mile network including Fiber Termination Boxes for mobile Internet (FFTH). This infrastructure enables end-users to switch internet operators without requiring the reinstallation of cables.
- Mandatory cooperation with telecommunications operators:
All construction stakeholders must cooperate with licensed operators to ensure the proper installation and implementation of the IBS system and cable network, in compliance with national standards.
Implications for Developers and Investors:
The issuance of this Instruction integrates a regulatory focus on the critical components of urban planning and infrastructure development. Real estate developers and construction project owners must now factor telecommunication readiness into their early project planning to avoid compliance risks and delays in project approvals. Any failure may affect the commercial viability, especially in a market where digital connectivity is becoming a key determinant of property value.
The Instruction represents a proactive approach to embedding modern telecommunications standards in Cambodia’s rapidly growing landscape. Developers and investors are strongly encouraged to consult with legal and technical operators early on their project to ensure full compliance with the instructions and related regulatory obligations.
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