Smart Axiata to Invest Over $90M to Boost Network Connection in Cambodia

Smart Axiata to Invest Over $90M to Boost Network Connection in Cambodia

Smart Axiata, a leading telecommunication service provider in Cambodia, is heading for an enormous network expansion, as the company has already approved the proposal to invest more than $90 million in mobile network infrastructure in the Kingdom this year.

According to Smart, the investment known as “the 2021 network infrastructure improvement program” aims to improve people’s connectivity and access to the internet all over the country through the enhancement of the 4G LTE network as well as preparing it for the 5G upgrade once the government gives a thump up on the advanced technology.

Smart Axiata, in a statement, said it strongly acknowledges the crucial role of mobile telecommunication for Cambodia to expand its economy, as the country is on its way to the “digital age”.

While the entire world is facing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which forces people to rely more on online, Smart added that access to 4G is becoming significant as it allows people to study and do business online, buy things that they need without going out and risk their health and receive the latest information on COVID-19 during this challenging time.

Smart Axiata CEO Thomas Hundt said that in the upcoming months, Smart subscribers will see the differences, with better and faster online learning, gaming, video, music and overall Internet experiences.

“Investing in critical infrastructure and constantly improving our service for our customers have always been central to Smart’s operations here in Cambodia, and this year is no different, despite the very real challenges of the pandemic,” Hundt said.

“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.”

According to the company, by late last year, Smart has invested $1.88 billion USD in Cambodia while contributing $562 million USD in taxes, fees and levies to the government.

By the end of 2021, Smart Axiata plans to add 350 sites to meet the growing demand for robust and dependable connectivity while existing network sites will receive substantial capacity upgrades to the point that the company will shut down its 3G network in the course of 2021 by repurposing the residual frequency spectrum used for 3G to 4G.

Smart is also investing in producing clean energy to run its network sites using renewable energy sources like solar power.