TRC Allocates Dedicated Numbering Ranges for IoT and M2M Connectivity

In 2026 the Cambodian authorities dedicated specific numbering plan resources to internet-of-things (IoT) applications, complementing the 2024 revision of the general mobile numbering plan. The dedicated ranges are intended to accommodate the large-scale deployment of connected devices used for a wide range of enterprise, industrial and public sector applications, while ensuring that resources remain available for traditional mobile subscriptions.

The measures are relevant to mobile operators offering IoT connectivity products, to enterprise customers with significant IoT deployments and to specialist IoT connectivity providers operating in Cambodia.

IoT applications typically involve very large numbers of endpoints, each with limited average traffic per endpoint. Traditional mobile numbering, designed around individual human subscribers, does not scale well to such applications without careful management. Dedicated ranges allow the numbering plan to accommodate the volume of IoT endpoints without exhausting the ranges used for consumer subscriptions and support pricing and service models appropriate to the IoT use case.

Dedicated ranges also help operators, enterprise customers and regulators distinguish IoT endpoints from consumer subscriptions for purposes such as traffic analysis, cost allocation and compliance reporting.

Ranges within the dedicated IoT space are allocated to operators based on demonstrated demand and efficient utilisation. Operators are expected to justify requests, to report on utilisation and to return unused ranges where appropriate. The allocation process is designed to support timely access to numbering resources while avoiding hoarding.

Coordination between operators supports efficient use of the space, including in scenarios where enterprise customers use services from multiple operators or where devices roam between networks.

Enterprises typically access IoT numbering resources through arrangements with operators rather than through direct allocation. Operators are expected to make the resources available on reasonable terms and to support enterprise customers in planning deployments that scale efficiently.

For very large deployments or specialised applications, enterprises may work with multiple operators to obtain resilience and to negotiate optimal terms. Coordination with the enterprise's overall IoT strategy and with device manufacturers supports coherent outcomes.

The dedicated ranges use technical arrangements suitable for IoT applications, including formats compatible with international standards for machine-to-machine identifiers. Signalling, roaming and billing systems should be configured to handle the ranges correctly and to distinguish IoT traffic from consumer subscriptions where required.

For applications that require international roaming, coordination with international counterparts on the recognition of Cambodian IoT ranges supports smooth operation. Standardised approaches reduce the risk of routing failures or unexpected costs.

IoT devices frequently operate across borders, including devices in vehicles, in logistics fleets and in industrial equipment shipped internationally. Roaming arrangements for IoT devices should be designed to be predictable, cost-effective and reliable. Coordination between operators, including through international IoT alliances and roaming hubs, supports the objectives of enterprise customers with cross-border deployments.

Enterprises should understand the roaming arrangements applicable to their devices and should plan for scenarios such as long-term roaming, permanent roaming and changes in commercial arrangements between operators.

In some IoT applications, alternative identifiers may be used in place of or alongside traditional numbering, including specialised subscriber identifiers, embedded SIM profiles and application-level identifiers. The framework recognises these developments and supports arrangements that combine dedicated numbering ranges with alternative identifiers in a way appropriate to the specific application.

Enterprises considering deployments should evaluate the identifier options available and choose approaches that support scalability, security and operational efficiency.

IoT deployments interact with a range of regulatory frameworks, including SIM registration, cybersecurity, data protection and, in some cases, sector-specific rules for the industries served. The dedicated numbering ranges do not exempt IoT deployments from these frameworks; they provide a technical foundation that supports compliance rather than substituting for it.

Operators and enterprise customers should design their compliance programmes to address the full range of applicable rules, drawing on the specific characteristics of IoT deployments and on the arrangements available to distinguish IoT endpoints from consumer subscriptions.

The dedicated IoT ranges complement rather than replace the general mobile numbering plan. Consumer subscriptions continue to use the general ranges, and specific IoT applications that closely resemble consumer subscriptions may continue to use those ranges where appropriate. The framework provides flexibility to accommodate different use cases while maintaining overall coherence.

Migration between ranges, where relevant, should be coordinated to avoid disruption. Operators are expected to plan for such coordination and to communicate clearly with affected customers.

For operators, the measures call for planning of dedicated IoT range utilisation, configuration of technical systems, review of enterprise customer arrangements and coordination with international counterparts. Investment in the ability to offer differentiated IoT connectivity products supports competitive positioning in a growing segment.

For enterprise customers, the measures support scalable and predictable IoT deployments. Engagement with operators on numbering, roaming and identifier arrangements should form part of the overall IoT strategy.

Lex Civora advises operators, enterprise customers and specialist IoT providers on the interpretation and application of the IoT numbering allocation measures, on the negotiation of arrangements with operators and international counterparts and on the alignment of IoT deployments with the broader regulatory framework applicable in Cambodia.

Dedicated IoT ranges influence billing and revenue assurance arrangements. Operators are expected to ensure that traffic from IoT endpoints is measured, rated and billed accurately, that anomalies are detected promptly and that reporting to enterprise customers reflects the operational realities of large IoT fleets. Coordination between billing, network and enterprise-support teams helps avoid disputes and supports transparent commercial relationships.

Regulatory reporting on numbering utilisation should distinguish IoT ranges from consumer ranges, so that the authorities have an accurate picture of demand and can plan future allocations appropriately.