$90M set for mobile network connectivity
MALAYSIAN-OWNED telecoms service provider Smart Axiata Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur-listed Axiata Group Bhd, said it will inject another $90 million into the Kingdom’s mobile network infrastructure this year to expand and improve its network and ensure stable and fast mobile broadband connectivity for subscribers nationwide.
The investment, dubbed “The 2021 Network Infrastructure Improvement Programme”, will be used to enhance its existing 4G LTE network to provide nationwide coverage and enable a smoother transition to 5G wireless services – and “turbo-charged mobile broadband speeds” – pending government approval to roll out full commercial services, Smart said in a press release on March 30.
“Mobile telecommunication is absolutely essential for elevating Cambodia’s economy into the digital age. Access to 4G is fundamental for subscribers as it enables them to obtain the latest Covid-19 information, run their businesses online, access online education, perform mobile transactions and stay connected with friends and family,” it said.
Smart CEO Thomas Hundt stressed that investment in key infrastructure and regular improvements in services are a consistent cornerstone of the mobile provider’s operations in the Kingdom.
“This year is no different, despite the very real challenges of the pandemic. These challenges also drive us to
ensure our customers can rely on our network to keep them in touch with others and to be productive, even as they follow social distancing protocols during these difficult times.
“In the coming months, customers will see significant improvements in our network, while we will be able to deliver better online learning, gaming, video, music and overall internet experiences,” he said.
As of May, the number of active mobile phone subscriptions across the Kingdom’s six operators was 20,481,051, down by 0.08 per cent year-on-year, the latest data from Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia show. This figure is the equivalent of 124.09 per cent of the total population.
At the same time, the number of landline and fixed-line subscriptions numbered just 52,480 as of end-May, slipping 21.62 per cent from the end of the same period in 2019.
The number of mobile internet subscriptions across Cambodia’s seven providers also recorded a 2.36 per cent drop to 14,863,435, whereas fixed broadband internet subscriptions across the Kingdom’s 37 providers logged a 33.07 per cent climb to 249,132.
Boasting eight million subscribers and a 4G LTE network that covers 91.5 per cent of the population, Smart noted that it runs some 3,000 network sites across the Kingdom.
“By the end of 2021, Smart Axiata plans to add 350 sites to meet the growing demand for robust and dependable connectivity. Besides deploying those additional network sites, existing network sites will receive substantial capacity upgrades too.
“With the rapid adoption of 4G by Smart’s subscribers, Smart is also progressing to gradually shut down its 3G network in the course of 2021 by repurposing the residual frequency spectrum used for 3G to 4G.
“As of the end of 2020, Smart has invested $1.88 billion in the country while paying $562 million in taxes, fees and levies to the nation’s treasury thus far,” it said.
On the Bursa Malaysia, Axiata Group’s share price fell six sen (1.45 US cents) or 1.56 per cent to close at 3.79 ringgit ($0.91) on March 30 for a market capitalisation of 34.76 billion ringgit, with 3.07 million shares traded.