Background
Cambodia regulates telecommunications equipment and radio frequency devices through a licensing and authorization framework designed to manage market entry, technical conformity, and lawful use. Telecommunications equipment and devices that use radio frequencies can affect network performance, spectrum management, and public communications systems if they are imported or operated without regulatory approval.
Under Cambodia’s telecommunications framework, the import and distribution of telecommunications equipment or radio frequency equipment require recognized qualification for import and distribution, a Type Approval Certificate, and an import authorization issued by the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia. Type approval is a regulatory mechanism used to confirm that equipment meets technical requirements before it enters the market or is put into service.
The ministry’s notice also links unauthorized equipment to broader governance concerns, including service interference, risks to users, and misuse for unlawful activity. Devices referenced in the notice include boosters or repeaters, fake base transceiver station equipment, drones, and jammers, all of which may raise regulatory concerns when imported or used without the required authorization.
Scope of Application
The notice applies to the import, distribution, installation, use, and advertising for sale of telecommunications equipment and equipment that uses radio frequencies in Cambodia. It specifically refers to market activity involving devices such as signal boosters or repeaters, fake BTS equipment, drones, and jammers when such devices are handled without import authorization from the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia.
The notice also applies to persons involved in importing and distributing these devices. According to the ministry, these activities must be carried out by persons recognized as qualified for import and distribution and must comply with certification and authorization requirements under the Law on Telecommunications and related legal instruments.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications stated that it had observed the import, distribution, installation, use, and promotion of sale of telecommunications equipment and radio frequency devices on the Cambodian market without the required import authorization. The notice reiterates that such equipment must have a Type Approval Certificate and an import authorization from the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia.
The ministry cited the Law on Telecommunications as the legal basis for these requirements. It further stated that operating in the telecommunications sector without a license, certificate, or authorization from the regulator, or engaging in activities contrary to the law and related regulations, is subject to penalties under the applicable legal framework.
The notice specifically referenced Article 84 of the Law on Telecommunications. As quoted by the ministry, establishing, installing, using, or modifying telecommunications infrastructure, networks, or equipment in order to interrupt, disturb, or interfere with telecommunications infrastructure and systems, or to affect public order, is punishable by imprisonment from one to five years and a fine from 2 million riel to 10 million riel.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Importers, distributors, vendors, installers, and users of telecommunications and radio frequency equipment in Cambodia need to verify that devices have the required type approval and import authorization before entering the market or being deployed. Businesses involved in equipment trading or technical installation may need to review supplier documentation, product certification status, and regulator-issued approvals.
The notice indicates continued regulatory attention to equipment that can interfere with telecommunications networks or be used outside authorized channels. For market participants, the practical compliance issue is whether devices are lawfully approved for import and use under Cambodia’s telecommunications rules and whether the relevant operator or business holds the required recognition, license, certificate, or permit.
Official Source
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications notice published on 14 January 2026 via the ministry’s official Facebook page: source.
