Cambodia's Smart Axiata has launched 4.5G mobile connectivity in the country in collaboration with Huawei.
The launch supports speeds 10 times faster than those available over normal 4G, the companies said.
Smart Axiata will also potentially be able to use the technology to introduce new services including wireless home broadband and IoT services for residential and business customers. The deployment also marks part of Smart Axiata's evolution to 5G.
“I’m very pleased that together with Smart, we are able to build a better connected Cambodia through accelerating the mobile broadband development,” Huawei Cambodia CEO Margaret Hu said.
“With increasing demand for personalized and diversified services, emerging markets represent tremendous new opportunities for the telecom operators. Huawei is committed to supporting operators seize new opportunities by driving sustainable development in emerging markets.”
Smart Axiata is Cambodia's top mobile operator with a market share of an estimated 57% as of last year. The company recently secured a $66 million investment from Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co and an affiliate, which secured a 10% stake in return. But Smart Axiata's parent company Axiata Group has committed to maintaining a majority stake in the venture.