Communication in Cambodia

Khmer is Cambodia's official language and script. Formal communication with authorities and service providers generally takes place in Khmer, while the available languages of other services depend on the institution or provider. Mobile operators may send registration-related SMS messages in Khmer or in another language selected during SIM registration. Mobile communication is the main everyday channel. In April 2025, Cambodia recorded 20,697,933 mobile subscriptions, equal to 117.75% of the population, and 19,620,937 internet subscriptions, equal to 111.62%. These figures count subscriptions rather than unique users. Fixed-line telephony was much less common, with 28,233 subscriptions and 0.16% penetration. Cambodia had 69 licensed telecommunications operators, including four mobile operators and 39 internet service providers. A SIM, the subscriber identity module used to connect a mobile number to a network, can be activated only after the provider collects and checks a valid identity document. Mobile prefixes include Cellcard, Metfone, Seatel and Smart. Common free codes that work across networks include *1200# to stop unwanted value-added services, *1201# to check credit, *1202# to check the identity registered to a number, 1203PIN# to top up, and 1204 for customer service. From 1 January 2026, an expired mobile number can be reactivated for up to 180 days through a top-up without new registration at a branch. The remaining main balance is preserved for 180 days, and providers should send at least two reminder SMS messages and an app notification before the expiry date. Internet providers must publish prices, installation and router conditions, moving arrangements, VAT treatment, required identity documents or passports, application steps, coverage, maximum waiting times, billing and payment information, receipts, and planned or unplanned outage information. They must provide at least a 24-hour hotline, email service or chat channel, issue a ticket ID, and give a written or electronic resolution with technical evidence. Unresolved or late cases can be reported to the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia, known as TRC, through 6789 during working hours, the TRC website or app, or in person. Working hours are approximately Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 16:30. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, or MPTC, also provides public-service codes 123 and 1250, and its Speed Test App can help document internet performance. Cambodia Post operates branches, agents, community service points, Smart Lockers and collection services. It offers tracking, a shipping-cost calculator, post office boxes, EMS and PostPack services, and international delivery to more than 100 countries. Its current directory lists 60 branches, two Smart Lockers and 94 service locations in total. Price and delivery time depend on the destination, weight and service. Standard and EMS price lists provide tracking and estimated delivery times. Dangerous goods and nationally or legally restricted items are excluded. Postal use reaches only about 2% of villages, while private courier services reach about 9%, so mobile communication remains more practical for everyday contact and postal services are particularly useful for formal or trackable deliveries. Digital government communication is coordinated through the Digital Government Committee, or DGC. Its 2022–2035 strategy covers digital infrastructure, government-to-citizen services, postal infrastructure and security. GoGovKH is the official gov.kh link-shortening service, Verify.gov.kh checks documents through QR codes, Nomsa.gov.kh provides government notifications, and the DG SuperApp brings together government mini-apps. Check official domains and links carefully because copied or altered links can support phishing. Access is uneven. The 2023 Census of Agriculture recorded mobile access in 92% of villages but internet access in only 30%. Internet access reached 72% in Kep, 69% in Phnom Penh and 60% in Preah Sihanouk, while Svay Rieng had 18% and most other areas had less than 40%. A mobile-first service should therefore provide an offline, telephone or branch alternative where possible. The National Disability Strategic Plan 2024–2028 includes sign language, audio, large print, Braille, interpreters, augmentative and alternative communication, and accessible online and government information. Implementation remains uneven, so an accessible format is not automatically available from every institution. Under the disability identification process, a person, family member or caregiver can apply through a Commune or Sangkat office or a mobile assessment team. The application is free, and the provincial Department of Social Affairs validates the information and issues the card. A direct nationwide communication service for accessibility has not been established. The police emergency number is 117, the fire service is 118 and ambulance services are reached at 119. Confirm local availability before relying on a number. For a communication dispute, first contact the provider, obtain a written ticket ID and preserve messages, bills, screenshots and technical records. Escalate unresolved provider or internet-service cases to TRC 6789 and report SMS irregularities, scams, spam or unauthorized activations. The Telecommunications Law 2015, Electronic Commerce Law and Consumer Protection Law 2019 provide the main legal framework. A Personal Data Protection Law was still being formulated according to MPTC information from March 2026, so it should not be treated as fully in force. MPTC warnings should be followed when dealing with misinformation or disinformation.