When was 5G Launched in Cambodia?

Cambodia 5G Launch: Full Timeline, Coverage & Pricing Guide (2026 Update)

Cambodia officially entered the 5G era at the very start of 2026, marking a major evolution in mobile network development. This next-generation wireless technology — 5G — delivers much faster speeds, drastically lower latency than 4G, and far greater capacity for millions of simultaneous Internet connections. In this comprehensive guide, we explore exactly when Cambodia launched 5G for both residential and commercial audiences, how the rollout is structured, and what consumers can expect to pay for 5G access with local providers.

When Did 5G Launch in Cambodia?

Official Launch Date

Cambodia officially launched its commercial 5G mobile services on January 1, 2026. This date marked the first time consumers and businesses could use next-generation 5G networks anywhere in the country.

On that day — right at 00:01 a.m. Cambodia Standard Time — the leading national mobile carriers activated 5G services for customers across major urban areas. This transition from 4G to 5G began as part of a coordinated effort among the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) and the country’s three largest telecom operators: Cellcard (CamGSM), Metfone (Viettel Cambodia), and Smart (Smart Axiata).

Note: Although planning and trials occurred earlier, January 1, 2026 is the first commercial and public deployment date, meaning end users could connect to 5G networks for everyday use.

Residential vs. Commercial 5G Rollout

Residential Launch

For everyday users — people in homes, students, office workers, and regular consumers — the 5G service that started on January 1, 2026 is available in areas that have received network coverage from providers. This rollout is phased, meaning 5G is not instantly nationwide everywhere. Instead, it begins in major population centers including :

• Phnom Penh (capital)

• Siem Reap

• Kandal

• Takeo

• Prey Veng

• Svay Rieng

• Kampong Speu

• Kampong Cham

• Kampong Thom

• Kratie

• Kampong Chhnang

• Pursat

• Preah Sihanouk

• Stung Treng

• Kampot

These regions represent Cambodia’s beginning coverage footprint, with the goal of eventually expanding 5G to additional provinces.

For residents in these cities, 5G brought a more powerful mobile Internet experience — faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved connectivity across more devices simultaneously than 4G allows.

Commercial Launch

For businesses and institutional users, 5G began immediately alongside residential rollouts. Because nationwide digital infrastructure is critical for economic growth and innovation, the commercial operation of 5G networks is being treated as part of Cambodia’s digital transformation plan.

For example:

• Smart Axiata has introduced 5G with a focus on customers and businesses alike, offering opportunities for digital growth and enhanced connectivity.

• Coverage and service preparation for commercial use began months earlier, as operators built 5G base stations to support enterprise and consumer connections.

This means companies involved in sectors such as e-commerce, software development, remote work, cloud services, and digital startups can immediately leverage superior 5G bandwidth and performance once connected.

In short, commercial readiness coincides with residential availability, making January 1, 2026 the launch point for both.

5G Coverage: Cities & Zones

At the initial stage of deployment, 5G coverage is mainly available in urban centers and key provinces. These areas represent the first wave of coverage expansion planned by operators and the government. Coverage will continue to broaden over time, with rural and less populated areas receiving access in subsequent phases.

Coverage priorities include:

• Major cities like Phnom Penh and nearby suburbs

• Tourist and economic hubs like Siem Reap

• Provincial capitals across central and southern Cambodia

This staged strategy helps ensure network infrastructure is stable before expanding to more communities.

Cambodia 5G Pricing: What Does It Cost?

Cambodia’s 5G pricing is determined by mobile carriers through various prepaid and bundle plans. Here’s how pricing works and what consumers can expect:

Price Structure Overview

Unlike subscription contracts seen in some Western countries, Cambodia’s 5G pricing is mostly offered on prepaid mobile plans or data bundles from carriers. These plans typically combine:

✔ Data allowances
✔ Bonus data for 5G use
✔ Validity periods
✔ Optional call & SMS packages

Cambodia’s 5G pricing is competitive and designed for affordability, especially considering the varying income levels across users.

Cellcard 5G Plans (Cambodia)

One of Cambodia’s major operators, Cellcard (CamGSM), offers a range of prepaid mobile plans that also include extra 5G data.

Here’s a breakdown of some representative packages:

These plans (and others) include bonus data that can be consumed specifically on 5G networks provided your device is 5G-capable and you are in a covered zone.

Metfone 5G Plans

Metfone (Viettel Cambodia) also offers competitive bundles that include bonus data usable on 5G. Some typical examples include:

These packages also include minutes and SMS, making them suitable for users wanting voice and messaging alongside high-speed data.

Smart Axiata 5G

Smart Axiata takes a slightly different approach: rather than requiring a specific plan upgrade, existing plans may automatically benefit from 5G access if your device supports 5G and you are in a covered zone.

Smart’s network also includes promotions such as bonus data (e.g., 50 % free data for usage on 5G) for selected plans during certain promotional periods.

This means:

• You may not need to change your SIM — many Smart Axiata 4G SIM cards work on 5G when in a coverage area.

• Some plans include extra data boosts to enhance the user experience on 5G networks.

• Smart emphasizes coverage expansion and customer readiness.

Key Notes on 5G Pricing

Device Requirements

To use 5G, users must:

✔ Have a 5G-capable device (smartphone with 5G modem)
✔ Be in an area where 5G is activated
✔ Use a SIM card or plan that supports data bundles including 5G

Not all phones can access 5G — older or budget models may lack 5G radios.

Bonus Data & Promotions

Across providers, bonus 5G data is common — especially in the early rollout months — to encourage adoption. Most carriers have special promotions running until end of March 2026, offering additional 5G-ready data when you connect to the faster network.

What 5G Means for Cambodia

Cambodia’s move to 5G isn’t just about faster internet speeds. It’s about positioning the country for future competitiveness, innovation, and modern digital services:

Everyday Benefits

• Ultra-high mobile download and upload speeds

• Lower latency for gaming and video conferencing

• Better support for multiple connected devices

• Improved video streaming quality

• More reliability for digital communication

Economic & Social Impact

For businesses, industries, and government services, 5G enables:

• Real-time automation and IoT systems

• Enhanced e-government and smart public services

• Support for remote work and digital businesses

• Growth in tech startups and digital sectors

• Expansion of digital education and telemedicine

These advantages help Cambodia leap into the next digital chapter with infrastructure that supports modern economic needs.

Summary: 5G in Cambodia (Quick Facts)

Cambodia’s 5G rollout marks a key milestone in the nation’s digital development. With a national launch on January 1, 2026, both residential users and businesses can now access high-speed 5G services where coverage is available. Pricing remains flexible and affordable through major carriers like Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart Axiata — with plans designed to give users increased data capacity and improved mobile experience.

As providers continue expanding their networks, expect larger coverage territories, better connectivity, and new tech-enhanced services rolled out in the coming months and years.