Cambodia recorded more than 21.7 million mobile phone subscriptions in 2025, representing approximately 6.1% growth from the previous year, as expanding telecommunications infrastructure and rising demand for digital connectivity continue to support the country's digital transformation.
Data from the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) show that mobile penetration reached 123.55% in 2025, up from 118.12% in 2024. Internet subscriptions also increased to 20.8 million, equivalent to a penetration rate of 118.66%, highlighting the growing importance of digital services in the economy.
Key Facts
Mobile subscriptions: More than 21.7 million in 2025.
Annual mobile subscription growth: Approximately 6.1%.
Mobile penetration: 123.55%, compared with 118.12% in 2024.
Internet subscriptions: 20.8 million in 2025, up approximately 9.3%.
Internet penetration: 118.66%.
5G launch: Cambodia began offering 5G mobile services on January 1, 2026.
Telecommunications licences: 69 across different service and infrastructure categories.
Mobile Subscriptions Reach a Five-Year High
Cambodia's mobile telecommunications market continued its overall upward trend in 2025, although subscription numbers fluctuated over the previous five years.
According to TRC data, mobile subscriptions developed as follows:
Year | Mobile subscriptions |
|---|---|
2021 | 19.8 million |
2022 | 19.5 million |
2023 | 21.0 million |
2024 | 20.4 million |
2025 | 21.7 million |
The market experienced a slight decline in 2022 before rebounding to 21 million subscriptions in 2023. Numbers then fell to 20.4 million in 2024 before reaching a new high in 2025.
The mobile penetration rate also increased, rising from approximately 119% in 2021 to 122% in 2023 and 123.55% in 2025.
A penetration rate above 100% indicates that the number of subscriptions exceeds the country's population. It does not mean that every individual has a separate mobile connection, as one person may hold multiple SIM cards or subscriptions.
Internet Subscriptions Grow to 20.8 Million
Cambodia's internet market also recorded substantial expansion in 2025.
Total internet subscriptions reached 20.8 million, up approximately 9.3% from 19 million in 2024. The corresponding internet penetration rate stood at 118.66%.
The increase reflects the growing role of internet connectivity in everyday communication, business operations and access to digital services.
The expansion of mobile and internet subscriptions provides an important foundation for Cambodia's digital economy, supporting businesses, online services and the wider digital transformation agenda.
5G Rollout Opens a New Phase for Telecommunications
Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth has highlighted progress in telecommunications reforms and the development of national digital infrastructure, including the rollout of 5G networks.
Cambodia launched fifth-generation mobile services on January 1, 2026, marking a new phase in the development of its telecommunications sector.
Three operators — Smart Axiata, CamGSM (Cellcard) and Viettel (Metfone) — are accelerating their 5G deployment.
Their focus includes high-speed mobile internet, 5G home broadband, entertainment services and technology solutions for enterprises. Operators are also continuing to expand 4G coverage.
The development of 5G infrastructure is expected to support connectivity requirements for businesses and digital services that rely on higher bandwidth. However, the source report does not provide figures for 5G coverage, subscriptions or adoption rates.
Vandeth said Cambodia's digital infrastructure, which serves as the backbone of the country's digital transformation, had made significant progress.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has also undertaken reforms aimed at strengthening sector regulation and encouraging investment in national telecommunications infrastructure.
Fixed-Line Telephone Subscriptions Continue to Decline
While mobile and internet services expanded, fixed-line telephone subscriptions continued to fall.
TRC figures showed that fixed-line subscriptions declined to 17,640 in 2025, compared with 29,080 in 2024.
The decline reflects the broader shift towards mobile-based communication services, which have become increasingly central to Cambodia's telecommunications market.
Cambodia Has 69 Telecommunications Licences
The TRC reported that Cambodia had 69 telecommunications licences across different categories in 2025.
These cover internet service providers, mobile and fixed-line operators, voice-over-internet protocol services and telecommunications infrastructure providers.
Internet service providers represented the largest category, with 39 licences, accounting for 57% of the total.
The range of licensed operators and service providers highlights the structure of Cambodia's telecommunications market and the importance of regulatory oversight as the sector expands.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's 21.7 million mobile subscriptions and 20.8 million internet subscriptions demonstrate the scale of the country's digital connectivity market. The continued expansion creates opportunities for telecommunications operators, technology companies and businesses developing digital products and services.
The rollout of 5G adds another dimension to this growth. Beyond faster mobile internet, improved connectivity could support enterprise applications, digital commerce and services that require greater network capacity.
However, subscription figures alone do not measure the quality or equality of digital access. High penetration rates can reflect multiple subscriptions held by individual users, while differences in affordability, network coverage and service quality may continue to influence how effectively people and businesses benefit from connectivity.
For Cambodia, the next phase of telecommunications development will therefore depend not only on expanding networks but also on improving the practical value of digital infrastructure for businesses, households and public services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many mobile subscriptions did Cambodia record in 2025?
Cambodia recorded more than 21.7 million mobile phone subscriptions in 2025, up approximately 6.1% from 20.4 million in 2024.
2. What was Cambodia's mobile penetration rate in 2025?
The mobile penetration rate reached 123.55%, compared with 118.12% in 2024.
3. How many internet subscriptions did Cambodia have in 2025?
The country recorded 20.8 million internet subscriptions, representing approximately 9.3% growth from 19 million in 2024.
4. When did Cambodia launch 5G services?
Cambodia launched 5G mobile services on January 1, 2026.
5. Which companies are rolling out 5G in Cambodia?
The three operators identified in the report are Smart Axiata, CamGSM (Cellcard) and Viettel (Metfone).
6. How many telecommunications licences does Cambodia have?
The TRC reported 69 telecommunications licences across different categories, including 39 licences for internet service providers.