Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Smart Axiata launches 4.5G services in the Kingdom

Smart Axiata launches 4.5G services in the Kingdom

A man speaks on a mobile phone in front of a Smart retail store in Phnom Penh.
A man speaks on a mobile phone in front of a Smart retail store in Phnom Penh. Pha Lina

Smart Axiata launches 4.5G services in the Kingdom

Mobile operator Smart Axiata became the first company to launch 4.5G services in the Cambodia yesterday, a move that will position the firm to supply faster download and upload speeds when more devices carry the latest technology.

The company’s CEO, Thomas Hundt, said 1,500 base stations have already been outfitted with 4.5G technology with the support of Chinese tech giant Huawei. He said while currently only three mobile handset models support the new technology, the infrastructure was being laid in preparation for the widespread adoption of 4.5G-capable devices.

“Smart has always tried to be the most progressive telco in Cambodia to ensure that our subscribers receive the best possible service,” he said, adding that the company continues to invest heavily in infrastructure.

Typically, 4.5G networks are capable of providing peak mobile internet speeds eight times faster than normal 4G LTE. According to Hundt, the 1,500 base stations are using the latest multiple-input and multiple-output technology and multicarrier aggregation, giving them a peak capacity to reach speeds of up to 600 megabits per second (mbps).

However, Hundt was quick to note that in reality, numerous variables such as how many users were on a single base station, what devices were being used and what activities they were performing makes speed relative.

“Rest assured that you will see significant improvements in our network in coming months,” he said.

Test simulations at the launch yesterday showed speeds for 4.5G reaching over 40 mbps for download and above 30 mbps for upload.

Li Xiongwei, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Cambodia), said 4.5G will act as a bridge for the eventual adoption of the 5G standard, while bringing significant improvements to Cambodia’s existing 4G networks by allowing them handle more data-intensive applications.

Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Tram Iv Tek said that while Smart and its competitor Cellcard were leading the market in terms of quality networks, he hoped competition would bring the lowest prices to the end consumer.

“In a free market, these two companies are allowed to compete and I encourage them to create the best prices for consumers and invest in the latest technology,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Brawl marrs football final as Indonesian take gold in seven goal thriller

    The Indonesian men's U22 men national football team were crowned champions of the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, defeating Thailand 5-2 in extra time on May 16 at Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh. The match was marred by an ugly incident that occured in the 91

  • 1.4 billion dollar Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway due in four years

    The Government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, has officially signed a public-private partnership agreement with a private company for the construction of a Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway project that will connect the capital to Svay Rieng province. The budget for the project is

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom