TRC Consults on the Assignment of the 700 MHz Digital Dividend

In 2026 the Cambodian authorities opened a consultation on the use of the 700 MHz band, historically part of the spectrum used for terrestrial television, for mobile services. Similar reallocations, often referred to as the digital dividend, have taken place in many countries as television broadcasters have moved to more efficient digital transmission standards, freeing spectrum with excellent propagation characteristics for mobile use.

The consultation is relevant to mobile network operators, to broadcasters that currently use the band or adjacent bands, to equipment manufacturers and to enterprise and consumer users of mobile services.

The 700 MHz band has strong propagation characteristics, supporting wide coverage from a given number of sites and good performance indoors and in challenging environments. It is particularly valuable for extending mobile coverage in rural areas and for improving in-building coverage in urban environments. Reallocation to mobile use responds to sustained demand for mobile spectrum and to the potential contribution to national connectivity goals.

The consultation examines how the band can be reallocated in a way that preserves the interests of broadcasters, that provides value to the mobile sector and that reflects international harmonisation trends.

The 700 MHz band has been reallocated to mobile use in many countries, with regional harmonisation supported through international coordination. Harmonised arrangements reduce equipment costs, support the availability of devices and simplify cross-border coordination. The consultation examines how Cambodia can align with the arrangements prevailing in the region and with international standards for the band.

Cross-border coordination with neighbouring countries is particularly important for a band with strong propagation, since deployments near borders can affect users on the other side.

Any reallocation must consider the position of broadcasters currently using the band or adjacent bands. The consultation examines the transition arrangements that would be required, the technical measures to protect broadcasters from interference and the timing that would allow orderly adjustment. Coordination between the mobile and broadcasting sectors is essential.

Where broadcasters need to move to other spectrum or upgrade their equipment, appropriate arrangements are contemplated to support the transition. The consultation invites views on the specific arrangements that would be workable and fair.

The consultation examines how the reallocated spectrum should be assigned to mobile operators. Options include competitive selection procedures such as auctions, comparative selection based on defined criteria, or hybrid mechanisms. Each option has implications for revenue, for competitive outcomes and for the pace at which the spectrum is put to use.

The consultation also examines whether the reallocation should be accompanied by specific obligations, such as coverage commitments for rural areas, quality of service commitments or arrangements to support wholesale access. Such obligations can help ensure that the spectrum delivers public benefits alongside commercial returns.

For mobile operators, access to 700 MHz spectrum offers significant opportunities to extend coverage, improve service quality and support advanced services including fifth-generation deployments in rural and challenging environments. Strategic planning should identify how the operator would use the band, what investment would be required and how the acquisition of the spectrum would fit within the overall portfolio.

Operators are encouraged to participate actively in the consultation, sharing their perspectives on the substantive proposals and on the implementation arrangements that would support successful deployment.

For consumers and enterprises, deployment of mobile services in the 700 MHz band can bring meaningful improvements, particularly in areas that have historically had limited mobile coverage. Availability of compatible devices supports rapid uptake once services are deployed, and coordination with device manufacturers is important.

The reallocation is expected to contribute to national connectivity objectives, including universal service and digital inclusion goals. Coordination with the reformed universal service fund and with other connectivity initiatives supports coherent outcomes.

Deployment of mobile services in the 700 MHz band requires compatible network equipment and compatible user devices. Coordination with equipment manufacturers is important to ensure that suitable equipment is available in a timely way. Harmonisation with international arrangements supports the availability of devices at reasonable cost.

The type approval framework will need to accommodate equipment for the reallocated band, including any specific national conditions. Coordination with the type approval consultation and with the mutual recognition arrangements supports smooth implementation.

The consultation invites stakeholders to comment on the substantive proposals and on the implementation arrangements. Well-supported contributions are likely to influence the design of the final framework. Following the consultation, the authorities are expected to publish decisions on the reallocation approach and on the associated implementation arrangements.

Stakeholders should follow subsequent developments closely, including any decisions on the allocation methodology, the timing of any selection process and the associated conditions.

For mobile operators, the consultation is an opportunity to shape a major spectrum decision that will influence competitive positioning and coverage strategies for many years. Internal analysis of business plans, of investment options and of the value of the spectrum should inform consultation responses and subsequent participation in any selection process.

For broadcasters and other affected parties, engagement with the consultation is important to ensure that transition arrangements reflect their legitimate interests. For enterprises and community organisations focused on connectivity, the consultation is an opportunity to influence how the potential benefits of the reallocation are realised.

Lex Civora advises mobile operators, broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and other stakeholders on engagement with the 700 MHz consultation, on the assessment of implications for their businesses and on preparation for the eventual reallocation and its implementation in Cambodia.