Seatel has formally launched services in Cambodia and plans to establish itself in the market wi th a 4G-only network.
The operator, officially known as Southeast Asia Telecommunications, celebrated its official launch in Phnom Penh at the weekend, according to local press reports.
It has built out a 4G network in 17 provinces in the country, including the capital, Kandal, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, The Phnom Penh Post reported on Monday. It will cover the remaining provinces by the end of the year.
The firm has rolled out close to 7,000 km of fibre, the paper quoted Seatel Cambodia’s general manager Han Hanchou as saying.
It has invested around US$100 million so far of a planned $400 million spend.
Seatel has no 2G or 3G offer; it will rely solely on 4G, providing voice through VoLTE technology, something that has raised eyebrows in the market, including at its major rival, Smart Axiata.
Smart Axiata is the only other operator to have launched commercial 4G services in Cambodia, according to The Phnom Penh Post. Company CEO Thomas Hundt described Seatel’s strategy as a "bold move", warning that LTE-capable smartphone penetration in Cambodia is low and that the devices remain relatively costly.
However, the report also noted that there is demand in the country for faster Internet access, something that could help Seatel win customers.
