- First: Register your SIM card early to avoid service restrictions.
- Heavy mobile data & streaming: Smart Axiata or Cellcard
- Urban professionals: Smart Axiata or Cellcard
- Rural & provincial areas: Metfone
- Voice & SMS users: Metfone
- Short-term visitors: Any prepaid SIM (coverage matters more than brand)
Cambodia has one of the most affordable and accessible mobile telecom markets in Southeast Asia. With widespread 4G coverage, expanding 5G services, and flexible prepaid mobile plans, users can stay connected easily for daily communication, work, or travel.
This guide explains mobile operators in Cambodia and compares the three major nationwide networks — Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone — covering coverage, SIM prices, mobile plans, subscriber scale, company background, and phone number prefixes to help you choose the right network based on how and where you use your phone
Who this guide is for: Everyday mobile users in Cambodia — including locals, students, professionals, MSMEs, and visitors — who want a clear, practical overview of mobile operators, SIM rules, and prepaid plan choices.
Last updated: January 2026
Note: Prices, plans, and network performance may change over time. Coverage descriptions are based on official operator information and independent network experience reports.
SIM Card Registration in Cambodia
- SIM registration is mandatory for all mobile users
- Requires a valid Cambodian national ID or passport
- Usually completed at the point of purchase or activation
Details on registration rules, enforcement, and service expiry are explained below.
SIM Expiry & Reactivation (Official TRC – 180-Day Policy)
Important note: SIM registration and SIM service expiry are different. The rules below apply only after a SIM’s service validity expires due to inactivity (for example, no top-ups).
According to official announcements by the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC), mobile operators are required to apply a standardized 180-day SIM expiry and reactivation policy, effective from 2026 onward, based on regulatory guidance.
- Reactivation within 180 days: Users may reactivate expired numbers by topping up their main account balance. Re-registration at an operator outlet is not required.
- Balance retention: Any remaining main account balance must be retained for up to 180 days and restored upon reactivation.
- User notifications: Mobile operators must notify users at least two times via SMS and through official mobile applications before final termination.
Source: Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC), Official News Release No. 10827.
How the 180-Day SIM Number Retention Works
The timeline below explains how mobile phone numbers are maintained and recovered after a SIM’s service validity expires due to inactivity. Under this policy, users have up to 180 days to reactivate their number before it is permanently terminated or recycled.
-
Stage 1: First 60 days (Outgoing blocked)
Outgoing calls, outgoing SMS, and mobile data are suspended. Incoming calls and SMS may still be received. Emergency calls (117 Police, 118 Fire, 119 Ambulance) remain available for free. -
Stage 2: Next 30 days (Full suspension)
All regular services are suspended, including incoming and outgoing calls, SMS, and mobile data. Emergency calls (117, 118, 119) remain available for free. -
Stage 3: Final 90 days (Retention period)
The phone number remains reserved but inactive. Users may request reactivation and resume normal service by topping up their account before permanent termination.
Summary: Users effectively have 180 days from the date of service expiration to top up or reactivate their number before it is permanently lost.
Explanation based on public awareness materials released by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and official TRC guidance. Actual service behavior may vary slightly by mobile operator.
How Mobile SIMs Are Commonly Used in Cambodia
Cambodia’s mobile market is highly prepaid-focused. Most users buy prepaid SIM cards, subscribe to weekly or monthly data bundles, and change plans frequently based on usage and budget.
- One SIM mainly for mobile data
- A second SIM for calls, SMS, or backup coverage
5G Network Rollout in Cambodia
Cambodia officially entered the 5G era on January 1, 2026, with Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone launching 5G services.
Initial coverage focuses on Phnom Penh and selected provinces, with phased nationwide expansion planned.
Total Mobile Subscribers in Cambodia
According to official statistics published by the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC), Cambodia had approximately 20.7 million mobile subscribers as of April 2025.
Source: TRC Telecom Statistics. Figures may be updated in future releases.
Cambodia Mobile Network Experience (Independent User Reports)
Based on independent user measurement reports from Opensignal, mobile experience varies by operator and location.
- Smart Axiata: Strong overall experience and 4G availability
- Cellcard: Consistent urban performance
- Metfone: Strong coverage outside major cities
Individual experience may vary by location, device, and network conditions.
Quick Comparison: Mobile Operators in Cambodia
| Operator | Coverage Strength | Usage Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellcard | Strong in cities | Balanced data & voice | Urban users, professionals |
| Smart Axiata | Strong nationwide | Data-first | Students, heavy data users |
| Metfone | Widest nationwide | Voice, SMS & coverage | Rural areas, travelers |
Mobile Operator Profiles in Cambodia
| Operator | Founded | Operated By | Coverage Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellcard | 1997 | CamGSM Plc (Royal Group of Companies) | Urban & major cities |
| Smart Axiata | 2008 | Smart Axiata Co., Ltd. (Axiata Group Berhad, Malaysia) | Nationwide, data-centric |
| Metfone | 2009 | Viettel (Cambodia) Pte. Ltd. (Viettel Group, Vietnam) | Nationwide, rural & remote |
Cellcard
Typical Prepaid Plans (Examples)
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Calls / SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | $1 | 8 GB | Limited (on-net) | 7 days |
| $4 | $4 | 25 GB | Included (on-net) | 28 days |
| $10 | $10 | 100 GB | Included (on-net) | 30 days |
Plans shown are examples to illustrate typical price tiers and usage patterns. Actual data, call, and SMS allowances may vary by promotion, location, or time.
Mobile number prefixes (by operator): 011, 012, 014, 017, 061, 077, 078, 085, 089, 092, 095, 099, 076*
Smart Axiata
Smart Axiata positions itself as a data-first network and is especially popular among students and heavy internet users.
Typical Prepaid Plans (Examples)
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Calls / SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.5 | $1.5 | 15 GB | Limited (on-net) | 7 days |
| $6 | $6 | 60 GB | Included (on-net) | 30 days |
| $10 | $10 | 100 GB | Included (on-net) | 30 days |
Plans shown are examples to illustrate typical price tiers and usage patterns. Actual data, call, and SMS allowances may vary by promotion, location, or time.
Mobile number prefixes (by operator): 010, 015, 016, 069, 070, 081, 086, 087, 093, 098, 096*
Metfone
Metfone has one of the widest telecom infrastructures in Cambodia, making it a strong choice for rural, border, and remote areas.
Typical Prepaid Plans (Examples)
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Calls / SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1+ | $1–$1.5 | 5–15 GB | Limited (on-net) | 7 days |
| $5 | $5 | 40 GB | Included (on-net) | 30 days |
| $10 | $10 | 100 GB | Included (on-net) | 30 days |
Plans shown are examples to illustrate typical price tiers and usage patterns. Actual data, call, and SMS allowances may vary by promotion, location, or time.
Mobile number prefixes (by operator): 060, 066, 067, 068, 090, 031*, 071*, 088*, 097*
SIM Card Prices & Where to Buy
- Typical prepaid SIM price: USD $1–$3
- SIM cards are widely available at official operator shops, phone stores, street kiosks, and airports
- A valid Cambodian ID or passport is required at the point of purchase
- The main nationwide mobile operators offer official mobile apps for balance checks, top-ups, and data plan purchases after SIM activation
Note on mobile number prefixes: In Cambodia, mobile phone number prefixes are assigned to specific operators and are used for network identification.
Prefixes listed reflect commonly issued mobile number ranges by each operator. Prefixes marked with an asterisk (*) indicate 7-digit mobile numbers. Additional ranges may be introduced by the regulator over time.
Data Sources & References
- Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) – Official telecom statistics, including total mobile subscribers (data as of April 2025).
- Opensignal – Independent mobile network experience reports based on real-user measurements.
- Mobile operators – Public information from Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone official websites.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia offers some of the most affordable mobile data plans in the region. There is no single “best” operator — the best choice depends on your location, usage habits, and how long you want your plan to last.
Many users benefit from using two SIM cards and switching plans over time instead of sticking to one operator forever.
This guide is written and maintained by a Cambodia-based tech blogger and IT professional, and is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in mobile plans, network availability, SIM regulations, and official telecom information.